OnSide Youth Zones · 2025
This fourth annual OnSide Generation Isolation report surveys 5,035 young people aged 11–18 in England about how they spend their free time, their social connections, and their use of digital technology including AI. Key findings include that 76% of young people spend most of their free time on screens, 39% have turned to AI chatbots for advice, company or support, and 34% report high or very high feelings of loneliness. While 53% say social media makes friendships easier, 49% feel most connected when spending time together in person, and 92% of youth club attendees say it has made a positive difference to their lives.