Youth loneliness and isolation is a widespread, but still much misunderstood issue. Through research in recent years, we are beginning to get an insight into the scale of youth loneliness and isolation, and the impact being lonely or isolated can have on individuals.
“Young people feel loneliness more intensely and more frequently than any other age group, new research has found. Two-fifths (40 per cent) of people aged 16-24 say they feel lonely often or very often.”
(BBC Loneliness Experiment, 2018)
Loneliness and isolation can be difficult and sensitive subjects; subjects that can feel overwhelming at times, but we can help young people begin to explore the issues, to start taking positive steps in their own lives, and even build the confidence and motivation to help others. This section contains a range of data, research and reports to help improve our understanding of youth loneliness and isolation.