A recent study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Greenwich has highlighted the long-term economic effects of loneliness in adolescence, specifically relating to employment in adulthood. Published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, the research tracked 2,232 individuals born in England and Wales during the mid-1990s, assessing their loneliness at ages 12, 18, and 26. It found that those experiencing loneliness at age 12 had a higher likelihood of being out of education, employment, or training (NEET) later in life, indicating a potential impact on employability and social status.

Lead author Bridget Bryan suggested that early intervention to address loneliness could benefit not just the individuals concerned but the economy at large by enhancing productivity. Dr. Timothy Matthews echoed this sentiment, pointing towards the broader economic benefits of reducing loneliness among children and young people.

In related research focused on the education sector, a study tracking over 550,000 state school pupils in England revealed the detrimental impact of suspensions on academic performance. The findings suggest students who are suspended, even briefly, often perform worse in their GCSE exams and are significantly behind their peers academically. Highlighting the connection between suspensions, special educational needs, mental health issues, and frequent absences, the study calls for early intervention to avoid suspensions and improve educational outcomes.

Both studies underscore the importance of early support and intervention in addressing issues such as loneliness and behavioral problems in schools to improve long-term employment prospects and academic achievement.