Social Media Addicts

Social media-obsessed teenagers are lacking social skills that can harm them later in life, a recent study has claimed.

17:13 23 March 2016

A recent study commissioned by the National Citizen Service Trust revealed that social media-obsessed teenagers are so lonely and many stay closeted in their bedrooms. Experts say that such behaviour damages their social skills, which is crucial if they are to thrive later in life.

 

The study was participated by 1,000 12 to 17-year-olds and found that six out of 10 were lonely while one in 20 said they never spent time with friends out of school.

 

Michael Lynas, chief executive of the trust, said the findings 'reveal a concerning lack of social integration and level of loneliness amongst the next generation of young people, which could be harmful to the UK's economy and well being in the future',

 

Dr Jennifer Lau, who led the research at King's College, said: 'Loneliness for teenagers is an issue because they are starting out towards independence. It affects how many people you interact with and it is associated with anxiety and depression. If it emerges in adolescence and is not treated, there can be lifelong repercussions.

 

'Social skills are crucial in the workplace. Employers say it is very difficult to teach these. They should be nurtured in early life before teenagers get a job.'