Half of British teenagers feel lonely, even though eight in 10 say they feel supported by those around them, according to new research by The Children's Society. Feelings of isolation increase with age, rising from 42% among under-16s to 61% among 16 to 18-year-olds.
Lack of Free Spaces and Growing Pressure
The survey found that many teenagers reported a shortage of free or affordable places to go, with 69% saying there are not enough. Overwhelm was also a significant issue, with 59% feeling they have too much going on, and almost three-quarters (74%) saying worries about school stay on their minds after they get home.
When teenagers feel stressed, only 32% talk to someone, a figure that falls to 28% among boys. Instead, many turn to music (56%), TV or films (40%), or social media (40%) to help them cope.
Personal Stories and Campaign Launch
Callum, 20, described feeling isolated as a teenager despite being surrounded by people. He said: "Before The Children's Society, I was isolated. Just, alone. This was because of friends, people and everything going on at the time. Not being able to talk and feeling afraid or threatened or intimidated by people due to the bullying I received."
He added: "During high school, sometimes you can feel alone, or friendship groups break up for whatever reason. You can start to feel a little bit isolated. It's important to have those friendships. Because then you're not feeling alone doing the same things each day, and you're doing it with others."
Call for More Drop-In Services
The Children's Society has warned that too many teenagers are missing out on the freedom, friendships and support that should be part of growing up. Gabrielle Ernest, area practice manager at The Children's Society, said: "Young people tell us what's often missing is somewhere they can go that does not cost anything or need an appointment, where someone knows their name. That's what a drop-in service gives them."
The findings coincide with the launch of Save Teenhood, The Children's Society's campaign to protect teenage life and expand drop-in services where young people can spend time and speak to a trained professional without an appointment. The campaign includes a phone box installation on London's South Bank, built from hundreds of recycled mobile phones that ring and flash non-stop, designed to reflect the pressure, overwhelm and loneliness many teenagers describe.
Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "It is far too hard to be a teenager in the UK today, and these findings really challenge some of our assumptions about teenage life. Young people are telling us they can have people around them who care and still feel lonely or isolated. Too many teens are dealing with pressure and worries on their own, without somewhere they feel they belong or someone they feel able to talk to."
He added: "Teenagers tell us they need a safe place they can go without an appointment or referral, someone they trust and expert help when they need it. Through Save Teenhood, we will campaign alongside young people for change and we will push for more drop-in services where teenagers can find support. Young people have told us what is missing and we believe teens in the UK deserve a new deal."
The charity is encouraging people to visit its website to donate and help open more drop-in services where teens can find a safe space to feel heard.
