UKStudy Smartphones Fuel Loneliness and Anxiety in Nearly Half of Teens

Smartphones Fuel Loneliness and Anxiety Among British Youth: A Generation Isolated by Screens

London, UK – A new report by the UK youth charity OnSide, titled Generation Isolation, reveals a concerning trend: smartphones are fueling loneliness and anxiety among British teenagers. The study, which surveyed 5,213young people aged 11 to 18, found that 44% of respondents felt lonely or very lonely, while 51% reported feeling anxious orvery anxious.

The report paints a stark picture of a generation increasingly disconnected from real-world social interaction. A staggering 76% of respondents admitted to spending most of their free time using electronic devices, with 24% specifically citing watching videos, browsing social media, or searching online as their primary leisure activity.

The report highlights a disconnect between teenagers’ desire to break free from their smartphone dependence and their inability to do so. Over half (52%) of respondents expressed a desire to reduce their screen time, yet felt powerless to change their habits. This struggle is further exacerbated by the fear of social isolation. Almost a quarter of respondents admitted to worrying about being left out by friends if they don’t respond to messages promptly or if they spend less timeon their phones. A similar proportion reported having more online friends than real-life friends, with 5% even believing that the world within their phones is better than real life.

The report also reveals a lack of alternative activities and safe spaces for social interaction. Around 20% of teenagers stated theyconstantly use their phones because they have no other activities to engage in, while 10% found it easier to connect with friends online due to a lack of safe gathering places in their communities. However, many young people expressed a willingness to participate in more real-life social activities if given the opportunity.

Thereport concludes with a call for action, suggesting that more affordable entertainment options and safe, engaging social spaces are needed to help young people break free from their smartphone dependence. 29% of respondents specifically requested more affordable entertainment options that would encourage them to leave their bedrooms and engage with the world beyond their screens, while 24% advocated for more safe and enjoyable social gathering places.

Jamie Masraff, OnSide’s CEO, stated, The message from young people is clear – they want to break free from their reliance on smartphones and reconnect with face-to-face social interaction. But they are trapped by habits that are making themincreasingly lonely, isolated, and anxious.

The findings of this report serve as a stark reminder of the potential negative impact of excessive smartphone use on young people’s mental well-being. It underscores the need for proactive measures to encourage healthy screen habits and foster real-world social connections among teenagers.

References: