Sport 4 Life UK has released new research which shows increasing concern and anxiety amongst young people about their future job prospects.

Findings from the sport for development charity’s latest UK-wide ‘Voice of Young People’ survey highlight that half (50%) of those who responded were worried about employment opportunities, rising from 44% in 2023.

The 2025 study, which saw more than 400 respondents aged 11 to 29 participate in an anonymous online questionnaire this summer, also showed that 76% have been impacted by the rise in food prices and 84% are worried about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

CONCERN

Alongside this, 48% spend more than three hours a day on social media. Sport 4 Life UK report that moderate‐to‐heavy social media users (three to six hours) are roughly 60% more likely to report high daily anxiety than those on social media for under an hour.

The charity’s CEO Tom Clarke-Forrest commented: “The growing concern around future job prospects is particularly striking – rising from 44% in 2023 to 50% this year.

“Young people are not only grappling with immediate financial hardship but are also increasingly anxious about their long-term security, intensified by the accelerating impact of AI, with 54% now believing it will reduce job opportunities.

ADVICE

“Our research underscores the critical need for accessible support, with many young people still struggling to find vital career and mental health support and advice.”

Tom added: “Sport 4 Life UK remains unwavering in its commitment to empower young people to reach their potential by providing the skills, qualifications and support needed to find work and shape successful futures.

“We will continue to advocate for systemic change in policy and funding, as well as ensuring our delivery services are tailored to address these emerging concerns, providing the vital support our young people so desperately need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

Read more about ‘The Voice of Young People’ 2025 survey at sport4life.org.uk

This story supports these goals and missions: