Why we need to Save Teenhood
Teenagers have told us that growing up today can feel lonely, isolating and overwhelming. Teenagers in the UK are the unhappiest in Europe. That's why we have launched our Save Teenhood campaign to sound the alarm. Every young person deserves a safe place to go and an expert to talk to. As part of our launch, we took to the streets to ask the public about the pressures facing teens today.
In over their heads
In over their heads
Our new research uncovers surprising insights on what teenagers are feeling. Behind familiar worries about schools and social media, there’s deeper concerns regarding expectations and a feeling that adults have a very different way of experiencing the digital world to them.
Life for many young people comes with a heavy emotional cost. Many expressed feeling overwhelmed by pressure from teachers to succeed, but even more so from themselves as they strive to meet their own high expectations.
Online or isolated?
When it comes to tech, mobile phones and social media proved to be a complex issue. The companies behind them are vying for the attention of teens, claiming to be a source of connection. However, some view it quite differently.
Adults are a lot more likely to see these devices and platforms as a cause of young people becoming more withdrawn and isolated. In fact, 22% of teens said they would feel lonely if they couldn't use their devices. Despite this, there was a resounding feeling among many teens of pressures to post on social media. On top of this, there were unrealistic expectations to look a certain way and not be excluded online. They spoke about the need to take breaks for their own mental health and wellbeing.
Social media was initially created to connect us, but it is obviously the opposite. So, it's disconnecting the youth.
- Young person
No safe spaces
No safe spaces
Safe spaces, such as leisure and drop-in centres, are essential for teenagers because they provide secure, non-judgmental environments where young people can explore their identities, learn new hobbies, and develop emotional resilience.
Teenagers and adults tend to agree there is a shortage of affordable spaces for young people today. Without these places, there is an extra incentive to spend their time online.
Public spaces
Public space is no longer children's space, especially not teenagers. There's nowhere they can go.
- Member of public
They need more of those places... just to play table tennis or meet friends or chat. Just somewhere to chill out. And they're all closing.
- Member of public
Teenagers vs adults
Whilst most adults think they understand teens’ experiences of being online and pressures related to social media, teens are less convinced. 57% of adults believe they understand teens’ experiences of being online and the pressures that come with it. On the other hand, only 46% of teens agreed with this.
They think young people have had it too easy and they're soft, and it really isn't that at all... This is the generation that nobody's taking any notice about.
- Member of public
Teenagers
These findings remind us that supporting teenagers isn’t just about putting rules in place, it’s about understanding their world on their terms. Whether it's managing internal expectations or navigating the digital spaces where they connect, teens are carrying a lot. If we are serious about saving teenhood, we need to listen to what teenagers are telling us and act on it, giving them trusted adults, welcoming spaces, and early support before problems escalate.
Author: Edward Herbert
