Cybersurvey report

Locked Down and Online

Our 2020 survey explored teenagers’ wellbeing and online lives in the COVID winter lockdown 2020.

‘Life’s gone digital’ said a young boy. What has this meant for young people?

While they depended on their phones, tablets, games consoles and laptops as a lifeline to friends, fun and support, this is not all they found online. Many encountered harmful content talking about suicide, anorexia and misinformation about COVID. Teens also report online environments filled with sexist, homophobic and racist comments.

Young people were worried and anxious and described worries so overwhelming, ‘they affect my life’. 20% feel alone. Sleep and appetite were affected.

Some chose to invest in friendship and connection, determinedly contacting old friends or family abroad or chatting while gaming or on phones. Others felt they had lost their friends due to missing school.

The annual Cybersurvey compared answers from 2019 with those from 2020.

These vital insights from young people are needed to help families, educators and other professionals provide  nuanced and sustained help to those who need it. It is clear that the impacts fall unequally - this report describes who is most affected.

Schools are invited to take part in the annual survey.