Generation Isolation: OnSide Youth Research 2026

Generation Isolation is OnSide’s annual study exploring how young people spend their free time and what this means for the support, spaces and opportunities they need. It is based on responses from 3,944 young people in England aged 11-18, conducted in partnership with YouGov.

This is the fifth Generation Isolation report we’ve published since the study began in the aftermath of the pandemic. We wanted to learn how young people spend the 85% of their time outside school, so we could advocate for the right support to help them thrive.

This year’s research shows that young people believe in themselves, but many do not believe they have the practical tools, experiences and support to succeed in adult life.

While 39% do not feel very prepared for adulthood and 11% do not feel prepared at all, young people are clear about what would help: life skills not normally taught in school, real-world experience, and better careers and jobs advice. They also want opportunities to build confidence, take responsibility and make decisions.

Yet only 41% say they have opportunities to take action on issues that matter to them, 77% spend most of their free time on screens, and one in five do not have a safe physical space outside home and school where they feel they belong.

We believe youth centres can help address many of the challenges highlighted in this year’s research. They provide safe, affordable places where young people can develop life skills, build confidence and take action on issues that matter to them. Among attendees, 91% say their Youth Club has made a positive difference to their lives, helping them build the skills, confidence and independence they need for the future.