Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 1, 2026

Number of young people with no close friends has soared since 2014 in England

Data paints sobering picture of 11- to 24-year-olds growing up in 'bleak world' shaped by pandemic and social media The number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014 as a result of growing up in a "bleak world" dominated by austerity, the pandemic and social media.

Number of young people with no close friends has soared since 2014 in England

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Data paints sobering picture of 11- to 24-year-olds growing up in 'bleak world' shaped by pandemic and social media The number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014 as a result...

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Data paints sobering picture of 11- to 24-year-olds growing up in 'bleak world' shaped by pandemic and social media The number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014 as a result of growing up in a "bleak world" dominated by austerity, the pandemic and social media.

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  • Data paints sobering picture of 11- to 24-year-olds growing up in 'bleak world' shaped by pandemic and social media The number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014 as a result...

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