Coronavirus: Young men 'more likely to ignore lockdown'
Young men are more likely than young women to break lockdown rules, psychologists suggest.
A team from the University of Sheffield and Ulster University
questioned just under 2,000 13-24 year olds.
Half of the men aged 19-24 had met friends or family members they did not live with during lockdown, compared to 25% of women.
The researchers called on the government to better target messages for young people.
Non-compliance 'linked to depression'
Just under half of all those questioned - 917 young people - said they were feeling significantly more anxious during the lockdown - particularly if they had a parent who was a key worker.
Those with depression were more likely to flout lockdown rules by meeting up with friends and leaving the house unnecessarily; while those with anxiety were more likely to practise social distancing and regularly wash their hands.
Dr Liat Levita from the University of Sheffield says mental health is no justification for not following the rules, but it might help us understand why it's difficult for certain people to comply.
"The more someone is depressed, the less compliant and de-motivated they are.
"So if you need to hand-wash more often and need to make an effort in following the guidelines, it's not something that you're actually going to be able to do very well."