During her performance at the Reading Festival on Saturday, Raye emphasized the theme of hope, drawing inspiration from her second album. Engaging the audience, she discovered that many had recently completed their GCSEs, and shared her own challenging journey to success. The 28-year-old artist led the crowd in uplifting chants of “it’s gonna be all right,” creating a vibrant atmosphere of optimism that resonated with the youthful audience.
However, a recent report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) presents a starkly different narrative, highlighting a concerning decline in the wellbeing of young people. Building on previous findings, including Alan Milburn’s study on youth involvement in education or employment, the IPPR’s research indicates that young individuals aged 11 to 24 in England—comprising Generation Z and older members of Generation Alpha—are experiencing increased feelings of loneliness. Compared to earlier generations, they report having fewer friends and express dissatisfaction with their current friendships. Alarmingly, one in twenty individuals in this age group claims to have no friends at all. Interviews conducted for the report revealed troubling insights into their lack of confidence regarding future prospects.
The study also identified issues with focus, particularly linked to social media usage. When asked about their leisure activities, the predominant response was “doomscrolling.” The report criticizes politicians for their “deference to unaccountable tech oligarchs” but also attributes the challenges faced by young people to a broader array of factors. These include rising housing costs, a scarcity of entry-level job opportunities, student debt, austerity measures, and the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors argue that the social contract with the younger generation is fractured and requires urgent reform.
This comprehensive report aims to capture the shared experiences of the 10 million young individuals aged 11 to 24 in England while acknowledging significant socioeconomic disparities. It highlights that the most pronounced declines in life satisfaction over the last decade have occurred in economically disadvantaged areas. For those without familial wealth, the challenges of securing housing represent a substantial obstacle to independence. With the average deposit for a home now reaching £78,000, the report notes that owning property before the age of 35 has become nearly an inherited privilege. Access to social housing is increasingly limited, leaving many young adults either residing with their parents or in private rental situations. While the Labour Party has begun to address the housing shortage, there is an urgent need for further action to enhance opportunities for young people, as the current situation is considered a national disgrace.
Adolescence is inherently complex, and the report’s mention of “ordinary challenges” resonates with Sigmund Freud’s notion of “ordinary unhappiness.” Transitioning from school and parental support to independence poses significant difficulties, underscoring the importance of supportive friendships during this stage of life.
Nevertheless, the challenges faced by Generation Z and Generation Alpha should not be examined in isolation. The weakening of community ties is indicative of a larger trend that the IPPR appropriately associates with neoliberalism’s impact on collective well-being. There is no singular solution to mend these social fabric issues; however, governments and local authorities hold the power to enact change. Initiatives aimed at improving housing access, reforming the job market—including regulations on AI use in recruitment—and promoting intergenerational equity could significantly enhance the environment for individuals under 25.
