Young people in 2011 face a highly competitive job market, rising housing costs and higher fees for university and college. Meanwhile many report pressures to own the latest gadgets and clothes as well as maintaining online and offline friendships. So is it harder than ever to be young in Britain? And is the burden acceptable?
To debate this, the Observer invited a panel of under-25s from a range of backgrounds into our studio.
Ben Howlett is the chairman of Conservative Future.
Tahmeena Bax is history student at Queen Mary University and their black students officer.
Amy Mount is a member of the UK Youth Climate Coalition.
Gary Watts is a charity worker from Lincoln.
Franklin Verijika has been long-term unemployed but is now studying a course in film.
Shane Chowen is a vice president of the National Union of Students.
The discussion is chaired by the Observer's chief reporter Tracy McVeigh.
Leave your thoughts below.
