Loneliness Among Young Adults in the EU: A New Study by Bertelsmann Stiftung
Gütersloh, 16.12.2024 – According to a new study by Bertelsmann Stiftung, a leading European think tank, many young adults in the EU are struggling with feelings of loneliness. The study, titled “Loneliness of Young People Compared Across Europe in 2024,” surveyed young Europeans aged 18 to 35 and found that 57% of them feel moderately or strongly lonely.
The data for the study was collected through eupinions, an opinion research tool used across Europe. While the issue of loneliness among young people has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study also found significant differences between member states.
The study revealed that young people in France are the most affected by loneliness, with 40% reporting feeling at least moderately lonely, and 23% feeling extremely lonely. This means that almost two-thirds of young people in France are struggling with loneliness, making it the highest level among the seven EU countries included in the study.
In comparison, young adults in Germany report slightly lower levels of loneliness, with 39% feeling moderately lonely and 12% feeling extremely lonely. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has the lowest levels of extreme loneliness among young people.
Bertelsmann Stiftung youth expert Leander Berner comments on the impact of loneliness on society and the need for a collective effort to address it. “Loneliness can reduce the feeling of belonging to society and become a social and political problem,” says Berner. “We should tackle loneliness together as a society and not stigmatize those affected.”
The study also found that people with a lower level of education are more likely to experience loneliness. This is supported by existing research, which suggests that individuals with higher education have more resources to cope with stress and maintain social relationships.
Anja Langness, another youth expert at Bertelsmann Stiftung, emphasizes the need to include young people in the conversation and decision-making processes when addressing loneliness. “Reducing loneliness among young people requires systematically and bindingly incorporating their perspectives into political consultation processes,” says Langness. “We need to involve young people in designing and implementing initiatives to generate solutions that truly meet their needs and help them feel less isolated.”
The study also offers recommendations for action, including better data collection, providing support and resources for young people, and promoting social and emotional skills.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Anja Langness, Tel: +49 5241 81 81 169
Email: anja.langness@bertelsmann-stiftung.de
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
