Young people are surviving, not thriving, with many feeling disconnected and pessimistic about their future, according to a national survey.

In its found that although many young people value their schools, colleges and local community support services their wellbeing remained fragile.

Worrying sign of fatigue

It says a world of extremes is driving a generation of young people into the 鈥榤eh in the middle鈥� 鈥� with many opting for neutral responses in the survey 鈥� a worrying sign of fatigue, not contentment. This type of neutrality is particularly dangerous, as it often masks disengagement and disparity, especially among those not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The survey also found that more than a third of young people (36%) say their education鈥檚 been disrupted in the last 12 months due to mental health problems (usually stress and anxiety). Worryingly, one in 10 said they鈥檙e experiencing extreme anxiety regularly.

And 40% of young people, who are in work, also said mental health issues were responsible for time off in the last 12 months.

Access to mental health support has improved, but this appears to work best for those already in education or work.

Most in need furthest from support

Unfortunately, those furthest from opportunity, especially NEET young people, those eligible for free meals and those with additional needs continue to fall behind. They鈥檙e the least likely to feel they can access mental health support and most likely to feel isolated and cut off from services.

Lisa Morrison, our Director of Professional Standards, Policy and Research, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to sponsor the 2025 Youth Voice Census as it provides a much-need voice for children and young people.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very worrying to see so many young people feeling adrift, unconnected and exhausted. We urgently need to act to improve measures for those struggling to get into work or to thrive at school.

鈥淚t鈥檚 vital that we widen access to support, consistently and inclusively, to support young people or these gaps will never close. We鈥檒l continue to advocate for support for children and young people so that they have access to meaningful and effective support.鈥�