{
  "id": 6070025,
  "title": "Growing up socially isolated linked to young people becoming NEET",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/growing-up-socially-isolated-linked-to-young-people-becoming-neet",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-07T00:30:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-socially-isolated-linked-young-people.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This research reveals that social isolation at the age of 12 can have significant consequences for young people's lives. The study, which followed 2,232 individuals from birth into young adulthood, found that being socially isolated was a stronger predictor of future employment outcomes than factors like mental health difficulties or socioeconomic background. Children who were socially isolated were 2.4 times more likely to become NEET (not in education, employment, or training) by age 18. The findings suggest that social connection should be considered alongside job-specific skills when addressing youth employment and NEET status.",
  "summary": "About 1 million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The consequences for their health and income can be significant and long-lasting, with costs to the economy as well.",
  "key_points": [
    "Social isolation at age 12 significantly impacts young people's lives.",
    "Socially isolated children are 2.4 times more likely to become NEET.",
    "Social connection should be considered in youth employment strategies."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This finding elevates social connection to a key factor in preventing young people from becoming NEET, on par with job-specific skills, and implies that early intervention could be crucial.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}