Generation Isolation: Study suggests young people do not know how to unplug

More than half of young people surveyed say they want to spend less time on their phone, but many don’t know how to

More than half of the young people who use their phone the most want to reduce the amount of time they spend on them but many do not know how, a survey has found.

A study into young people’s lives outside school from youth charity OnSide found that 76% of young people aged 11-18 spend most of their free time on screens because of habit, boredom and fear of missing out.

The study has dubbed these young people “Generation Isolation” because 75% of them spend most of their free time at home, limiting the possibility for physical social interactions.

Those studied used their screen time to engage in various activities like watching streamed content, playing computer games and communicating with friends.

Despite devices playing a large part in young people’s time outside of school, more than half (52%) of the most avid smartphone users say they want to reduce their usage, but almost half (42%) admitted they do not know how.

OnSide has suggested this generation would benefit from joining a youth club, stating that 93% of young people who attend a youth centre say it has made a positive difference to their lives.

Ethan, a 15-year-old member of The Hive Youth Zone, said: “I wake up every day feeling more positive. My mental health has improved and I am better at socialising and have made new friends.”

Despite spending the majority of their free time online, only 15% of young people say using their smartphone makes them feel happiest.

Last month the Girl’s Attitude Survey from Girlguiding found that most girls and young women have experienced some form of online harm but are reluctant to take a break from social media because of the fear of missing out.

A total of 5,213 people aged between 11 and 18 took part in the 2024 OnSide Study into Young People’s Lives Outside School.

Published: 04/11/2024 by Radio NewsHub