Loneliness is a key risk factor for the future health of young people Health Foundation response to the Office for National Statistics release on children’s and young people’s experience of loneliness

Jo Bibby, Director of Health at the Health Foundation, commented:

‘The Office for National Statistics data released today is concerning because we know that loneliness is a key risk factor for the future health of young people. Without supportive relationships with friends, family and community in place, especially during the transition from leaving school into work and early adult life, young people face an uncertain future.

'Our new report published today as part of our Young people’s future health inquiry warns that many young people growing up in the UK do not have these essential building blocks in place for a healthy future.

'The Health Foundation heard repeated concerns about young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, which is exacerbated by a support system that is inadequate in its ability to intervene early and meet the current demand. If policymakers continue to deprive the next generation of these vital factors, it will deprive young people of the opportunity to flourish and damage their potential future health.’