Family breakdowns are at the highest level since records began with almost half of teenagers not living with both natural parents by the age of 14, according to a new study.
An astonishing 45 per cent of British teens now do not live with both parents - almost double the official figure of 24 per cent of families who are headed by a lone parent.
Official estimates for family breakdown have been ‘dramatically understated’ as they didn’t factor in parents who have re-partnered and those with young children who split later, the study claims.
Researchers found that the level of family breakdown in Britain has increased fivefold since the 1970s and has now reached ‘epidemic proportions’. They warn that as the likelihood of familial collapse is intergenerational ‘these figures will worsen in future years’.
The study, by the Marriage Foundation think tank, says: ‘Some level of family breakdown is inevitable and even welcome. But 45 per cent? This should be a national scandal.
