Young people are more likely to experience poor mental health during the coronavirus lockdown than older adults, new research claims.

A survey of almost 5,000 UK adults by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that indicators of low mood and wellbeing were "amplified" in young people during the pandemic.

Its research found that 70 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds had felt anxious about the future more often than normal, compared with 47 per cent of over-75s.

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The research also found that 62 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds reported feeling lonely more frequently, compared with 21 per cent of those aged 65 to 74.

The RSPH said people under 25 are more likely to be working in a sector that has been closed due to the pandemic and could face further anxiety around personal health as they are asked to return.

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs between 18 May and 24 May, the RSPH is now calling for more support services for young people.

Life under lockdown

Shirley Cramer, RSPH's chief executive, said: "Life under lockdown has been a challenge for all of us, but we are very concerned to see that young people are most vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects on their mental health and wellbeing. 

"We need more support tailored to young people who are struggling in this unique situation if we want to avoid further disadvantaging young people by allowing a mental health crisis to develop as a consequence of lockdown."

The survey, carried out between 31 March and 8 April, also found 58 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 disagreed the government was doing enough to protect the public's mental health and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent of the same age group said they had experienced less good quality sleep, compared with 15 per cent of over-75s.

Financial concerns had also left 16 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds unable to isolate as much they would have liked to. The same issue was reported by 11 per cent of people aged 55 to 64.

Severe disruption

Dr Antonis Kousoulis, director for England and Wales at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "It is troubling but not surprising that the pandemic and lockdown have had a particularly negative impact on young people's mental health.

"Their education, relationships and socialising have been severely disrupted and current projections for the economy and the job marketplace will be adding to their stress."

The survey also found that the majority (85%) of 18 to 24-year-olds had connected with people virtually more often, while 25 per cent had volunteered in their community more often than normal.