UK Youth Loneliness Epidemic Highlighted on World Mental Health Day

A new report titled *Lonely Nation: Part 2* from the Centre for Social Justice, funded by the Randal Foundation, warns that loneliness is a growing crisis among young people in the United Kingdom. The study finds that 70 % of 18‑to‑24‑year‑olds report feeling lonely at least sometimes, and links high social‑media use to increased rates of depression and anxiety.

Research cited includes a U.S. study showing a 7 % rise in severe depression and a 20 % increase in anxiety after Facebook was introduced on college campuses, as well as UCL analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort indicating higher depressive signs among adolescents who spend three or more hours daily on social media. The report identifies six drivers of loneliness and proposes 20 policy measures for the UK government to mitigate the problem ahead of demographic change.

The findings are being highlighted on World Mental Health Day (10 October) to urge educators, parents, and policymakers to foster open conversations about mental health and to implement the recommended interventions.