YOUNG people’s life satisfaction has fallen sharply in recent years, according to new analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) today.

Fewer than half of 16 to 24-year-olds in England now feel satisfied with their lives, down from almost two-thirds in 2010 — a fall from 62 per cent to 44 per cent, according to analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal survey data.

In England’s most deprived areas, life satisfaction has fallen from 55.9 per cent to just 34.7 per cent.

The IPPR said its research suggests “growing up in England has become more pressured, more isolating and less enjoyable than it was even a decade ago.”

The findings come amid growing concern over youth unemployment, after an interim report published in May found nearly one in seven 16 to 24-year-olds across Britain are not in employment, education or training, known as Neets, warning of a “whole-system failure.”

IPPR children and young people expert Conor Carleton said: “Life satisfaction and belonging have fallen off a cliff for young people in England.

“Fewer and fewer feel safe, supported or connected to the people and places around them.

“This is not a minor wobble. It reflects a wider shift in which growing up in England has become more pressured, more isolating and less enjoyable than it was even a decade ago.

“Young people feel they have only one chance to succeed, but too few trusted people or places to support them when things go wrong.”

He urged ministers to put “belonging at the heart of their plans” for children, from the culture inside schools to the restoration of youth clubs, sports, arts and other spaces “where young people can build relationships and enjoy being young.”