Young people in England five times more likely to have no close friends than in 2014

Young people in England are five times more likely to report having no close friends compared to a decade ago, according to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank. The research indicates that one in 20 young people now report having no close friends, an increase from one in 100 in 2014. Among 16 to 21 year olds, the proportion of those with at least three close friends fell from 85 percent in 2012 to 2014 to 72 percent in 2023 to 2025. Additionally, the percentage of 14 and 15 year olds who are completely or very happy with their friendships declined from 86 percent to 76 percent over the same period.

The IPPR based its findings on interviews with 150 young people and analysis of official data, including the National Centre for Social Research's Understanding Society dataset. The report attributes this isolation to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, austerity, and the rise of social media. The report specifically mentions the prevalence of doomscrolling and the popularity of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Other contributing factors cited include the closure of youth clubs, unaffordable housing, and a rise in the number of young adults who are not in education, employment, or training.

Psychological distress is also prevalent, with 47 percent of young women and 36 percent of young men aged 16 to 24 meeting the threshold for distress. This has impacted productivity, as the percentage of 16 to 24 year olds reporting that mental health hindered their accomplishments rose from 4.1 percent in 2010 to 2012 to 16.8 percent today. In response to these trends, Sir Keir Starmer introduced a ban on social media platforms for those under 16, following consultation with Australia.