Thinktank reports epidemic of loneliness among England’s ‘disconnected’ young
Summary
A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research shows that young people in England are feeling much lonelier and more isolated than before. Factors like social media, pandemic effects, and fewer youth services have led to fewer close friendships and delayed steps to independence for people aged 11 to 24.Key Facts
- The number of young people (11-24) in England with no close friends rose from 1 in 100 in 2014 to 1 in 20 now.
- Among 16-21 year olds, those with at least three close friends dropped from 85% to 72% between 2012-14 and 2023-25.
- Happiness with friendships among 14-15 year olds fell from 86% to 76% in the same period.
- Causes include youth club closures, unaffordable housing, TikTok, and loss of self-esteem.
- The average age for first-time home buyers is now 34, and nearly 20% of young renters spend half their income on rent.
- More young people are not in education, employment, or training (“Neets”), slowing their move to adulthood.
- Young people feel disconnected from themselves and society, with many turning to “doomscrolling” (continually browsing bad news online).
- The report is based on official data and interviews with 150 young people.
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