Children who spend break time alone or are not picked for teams in early secondary school face a higher risk of being NEET (not in employment, education or training) by age 18, according to new research from King’s College London.
Research findings on isolation and NEET risk
The study found that the most isolated 12-year-olds had more than twice the odds of being NEET at 18. Social isolation was defined as lacking positive social relationships or having social networks with few interactions. The researchers also discovered that children who were isolated and lonely at 12 remained just as isolated at 18 as those who were isolated but not lonely.
Economic and policy implications
The findings come after a damning report earlier this year by former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who warned that without action the economy could face a £125 billion hit. Milburn is set to publish his recommendations on tackling the NEET crisis in the autumn. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to address the issue and recently unveiled new technical education routes for 14-year-olds.
Expert commentary
Dr Bridget Bryan, lead author and research fellow at King’s College London, said: “Our findings show the lasting consequences of social isolation on young people’s employment prospects, likely driven by its impact on the social skills, education and mental health young people need to navigate the job market. Given the concern about growing Neet rates, these findings suggest that tackling childhood social isolation could be a valuable lever for improving young people’s life chances and job prospects.”
Dr Timothy Matthews, co-author and lecturer in psychology at the University of Greenwich, added: “For a long time, it’s been assumed that loneliness pushes people to reconnect, but our findings suggest that isn’t happening for the young people who need it most. Instead, loneliness and isolation can become a self-reinforcing cycle, where being cut off from others feeds feelings of loneliness, which in turn make it harder to reconnect.”
