Millions of Gen Z Brits have no idea how to change a lightbulb or clean a loo

Findings have revealed the pampered youngsters are struggling to grasp basic life skills, with many also admitting they can’t cook, iron clothes or make a doctor’s appointment on their own

Youngsters have admitted they aren’t the brightest bulbs in the box – because they can’t change a lightbulb.

As thousands of Gen Z head to university this month, shocking new findings have revealed a list of life skills they can’t do.

Putting up a shelf came top with 42% saying they would be clueless, followed by cleaning a loo and ironing clothes.

That was followed by doing the ironing and their own washing – with 34% saying turning on the machine would leave them stumped.

According to the findings from eco tech brand Hive, 29% have never tidied their bedroom, whilst a quarter have no idea how to book an appointment at the doctor and 22% can’t turn on the heating.

Around 41% of parents said they think their children will have a rude awakening when they start living away from home for the first time.

And with over half insisted their kids were “wonderful, but a bit useless.”

Spending too much time scrolling on their phones, being sheltered from real life and having everything done for them were the top reasons they were so clueless.

On average, teens ask their parents how to do things eight times a month.

But almost half believe the “shock” of real life will be good for their kids as it will make them learn to do things for themselves.

Despite the lack of life skills, many parents did admit they rely on their young-uns to help them work tech around the home.

Fixing the wi-fi, setting up an Alexa or Google home device, downloading apps on mum and dad’s phone and explaining how the TV remote works are the top things parents will miss when their kids fly the nest.

Susan Wells, director of EV and Solar at Hive, said: “Gen Z might not have mastered ironing or cooking yet, but when it comes to tech, they’re light years ahead.

“Parents may still call on their kids for help with smart devices, but most are pretty confident using technology themselves — and with eco tech like smart heating becoming part of everyday life, it’s clear the whole family is learning new tricks together.”