Social media leaves third of young people lonely

Almost a third of young people say that technology such as social media is making them feel lonely, new research has found.

A report found 30 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said technology such as social media is causing them to feel lonely as it has replaced face-to-face contact. The study also found loneliness impacts on the mental health of many young people, with more than two-thirds (67 per cent) saying it worsened as a result of feeling lonely.

More than half (51 per cent) of those questioned by Yougov for the Mental Health Foundation research said they experience depression when they feel lonely.

The Mental Health Foundation is calling for the Scottish Government to place health and wellbeing at the heart of the school curriculum.