Teenagers go online to avoid face-to-face interactions 

British teenagers say they go online for help on everything from hair hacks to video game tips, with one in three (33%) preferring to seek advice on the web to avoid the ‘awkwardness’ of asking someone face to face. 

The Lloyds Bank research – which surveyed 1,000 kids aged 10-17 years and their parents – found that cooking, make-up advice and baking are the most common things teens will get tips about online. Others will look for help with their finances and sports skills and they will turn to TikTok or Instagram for revision tips and advice on applying for jobs. 

However, for relationship advice, mum is still the first port of call. Dad is the go-to for health tips, homework and revising and, when it comes to exams, teachers are the favourite. The research also quizzed the teens’ parents and found that they also leaned heavily on their parents for advice. 

Top 15 topics teens learn about online (in order): 

1.     Cooking  

2.     Baking  

3.     Make-up  

4.     Video game tips/shortcuts         

5.     Films    

6.     Dancing          

7.     Fashion          

8.     History 

9.     Science    

10.  Hair hacks  

11.  Ways to revise         

12.  Exams   

13.  Sport skills e.g., playing football        

14.  Finances/money         

15.  Maths