Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, UK study finds

Concerns about internet use among young people are growing as nearly half believe it could disappear entirely, while a third support stricter digital access controls or even banning the internet altogether. Many spend significant time online—42% daily—and admit to lying about their activities, including age, accounts used, and personas adopted. Experts warn that stricter measures alone won’t protect children unless combined with stronger content safety guidelines, raising growing concerns over risks like location sharing with strangers, mental health struggles, and calls for safer internet platforms prioritizing kids’ well-being.