Government advisor Alan Milburn has warned that excessive smartphone use is turning young people into an 'anxious generation' struggling to adapt to the workforce. In a forthcoming review, he highlights how social media addiction is rewiring young brains, leading to poor sleep patterns and heightened anxiety that impacts their ability to work.
Key Takeaways
Government advisor Alan Milburn warns that excessive smartphone use is contributing to mental health issues among young people, making it difficult for them to enter the workforce. His report highlights that nearly one million young adults are not working due to anxiety and depression exacerbated by social media. Key takeaways: - Government review finds rising mental health issues linked to social media use among youth - Nearly one million 16-24 year-olds in the UK are classified as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training) - Milburn argues businesses must offer more pastoral care and flexibility to support young workers - The report suggests reforming the welfare system to encourage work rather than long-term benefits dependency
The review, based on conversations with over 400 young people across the UK, reveals alarming statistics: nearly one million 16-24 year-olds are classified as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training). According to Milburn, many of these young adults spend late nights 'doom scrolling' on social media, which contributes to their mental distress and disengagement from work.
The report argues that businesses must adapt by offering greater pastoral care and flexibility to support this cohort. Milburn emphasizes that having a diagnosis of anxiety or depression should not automatically disqualify young people from working opportunities. He also criticizes the current welfare system for trapping individuals in long-term benefits dependency, suggesting reforms to encourage employment.
The findings come as youth unemployment reaches an 11-year high at 16.2%. Milburn's review identifies a 'rising tide of mental ill-health' among young people and calls on businesses to tap into this potential labor pool amid skilled worker shortages. The final recommendations, including proposed changes to the benefits system, will be published later this year.
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