Homeschooled kids in general are not sheltered....in fact the ones I know are the ones out doing adult type activities at earlier ages, running small businesses, clubs, etc. I know there are some parents who do shelter (both in school and in homeschool settings) but that is not the norm in my experience. I have seen it (My one SIL definitely sheltered her children and homeschooled to keep them that way) but most in my circle anyways are very much out there.
Also, in school, yes, you are there 7 hours a day...you are NOT however socializing 7 hours a day
I have a friend who just got a call from her daughters principal because her daughter "mingled during lunch to talk to her friends". Class time is no talk, many schools dropped recess, some make lunch no to low talk...so when are they socializing? Just before and after if there is time I guess. NOW, those are NOT things that make public or private school a bad choice...just I dont get how that is considered socialization by the general public. Schools have really changed in many areas.
My children are with other children usually 3-5 days a week, not counting neighborhood kids (sadly our next door neighbors who we saw every day have moved away, but there are still some kids in the neighborhood we play with off and on on the weekends). We meet other kids just the same as school kids do....we meet children of all ages, races, lifestyles, etc at parks, events, homeschool organized things, etc. My daughter was very shy but has just blossomed as she has grown. Put her one a playground with new kids and within minutes she will have them all together playing some kind of game. She really makes friends wherever she goes but we also have a core group of friends we see 2-3 times a week on average.
I know its impractical but I wish school children were able to do more on site learning, field trips, and engaging with the general public in a group setting. I think those experiences are just invaluable.
The article was sensationalized yes.
I also want to stress....while I am focusing on the pros of homeschooling compared to school, that does NOT mean I am in anyway saying schools are horrible, something is wrong by choosing to use them etc. I went to school and I was just fine there