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Research and analysis

Loneliness, isolation and social connection among boys and young men in England

Research by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to identify the specific risk and protective factors that shape how boys and young men experience loneliness, isolation and social connection.

Applies to England

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The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) was commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to better understand the extent and nature of loneliness, isolation and social connection among boys and young men in England, and explore the specific risk and protective factors associated with these experiences. This research draws on national survey data from Understanding Society (waves 14 and 15, collected between 2022 and 2025) and the Mental Health of Children and Young People survey (MHCYP wave 4, collected in 2023).

Updates to this page

Published 15 June 2026

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