Almost half of young people want a life without the net

A recent UK study by the British Standards Institution reveals that nearly half (46%) of young people aged 16 to 21 would prefer a world without the internet, underscoring growing concerns about the negative impact of online life. Approximately 70% feel worse about themselves after using social media, and 50% support digital curfews to limit app use after 10pm. A significant number admitted to “risky” or “deceptive” online behaviour:

42% lied about their age, the same percentage falsified their online activities to parents/carers, 40% used fake accounts, and 27% pretended to be someone else.

The pandemic increased online time for 75% of respondents, with 68% citing detrimental effects on their mental health.

We MUST urge for stronger internet safety measures. NSPCC’s Rani Govender noted that curfews alone are insufficient and emphasised the need for safer, less addictive platforms. Suicide prevention advocate Andy Burrows highlighted that harmful content algorithms demand urgent regulatory reforms to prioritise children’s safety over tech companies’ interests. The government is considering mandatory app cut-offs to address these concerns. 

This study reflects a broader trend among Generation Z, who are increasingly questioning the role of digital technology in their lives. Many young people are seeking ways to reconnect offline through activities like phone-free nightclubs, running clubs, reading groups, and “digital detox” events. Initiatives like Adele Zeynep Walton’s Logging Off Club encourage real-life social interactions by limiting phone use. This movement reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the pseudo-communities fostered online and a desire to recapture genuine human connection. 

In response to these concerns, some communities are taking proactive steps. For example, Cunningham Hill Primary School in St Albans, England, launched a campaign to discourage smartphone use among children under 14, resulting in a notable drop in smartphone ownership among Year 6 pupils. This grassroots initiative has inspired similar efforts in other areas, highlighting a societal reckoning with children’s digital exposure. 

However, addressing the challenges posed by digital technology requires more than individual or community efforts. Experts emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies, including stronger internet safety measures, regulation of harmful content algorithms, and the development of safer, less addictive platforms. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being of young people and ensure that technology serves as a tool for connection and growth, rather than a source of harm.

For more information, you can read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/20/almost-half-of-young-people-would-prefer-a-world-without-internet-uk-study-finds?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other