OnSide Youth Zones · 2024
This annual survey of 5,213 young people aged 11–18 in England finds that 76% spend most of their free time on screens, 51% report high or very high anxiety, and 44% report high or very high loneliness. Most young people spend their free time at home, often alone or communicating online rather than socialising in person. The report also explores young people's views on youth services, finding that 85% do not attend a youth centre, but 93% of those who do say it has made a positive difference to their lives. Key drivers of screen use include boredom, habit, and a lack of safe spaces to meet friends in real life.