The loneliest generation: what it is like to grow up in England today

Publication type

Report

Authors

Publication date

September 1, 2026

Summary:

Connection should be the fabric that binds society together. But today’s young people have never felt more disconnected.

A connected society is one in which we care about how others are doing and, in turn, others look out for our wellbeing. It is the state and public services, family, communities, places and institutions working together to improve opportunities for everyone. It is what gives our places life and our lives shape.

We have spent the past few months travelling across England speaking to more than 150 young people and carrying out new analysis of data on how young people are faring. We found that, while adolescence is a period of profound opportunity, young people today no longer have the support they need to live fulfilling lives and become well-rounded adults. Growing up is now defined by disconnection.

The solutions do not lie in changes to youth policy: a collective effort is required to offer young people a new settlement that reaches across their lives, on education, work, housing and health.

Subjects

Link

https://www.ippr.org/articles/the-loneliest-generation

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