Nearly half of young people prefer internet-free world, new survey finds

Almost half of young people aged 16 to 21 would prefer growing up in a world without the internet, according to a new survey by the British Standards Institution. The study, which polled 1,293 young people, highlights growing concerns about the impact of online life on mental health and safety.

The survey revealed that 68% of respondents felt worse after spending time on social media, while 46% said they would rather be young in a world without the internet. Half of those surveyed supported the idea of a “digital curfew,” which would limit access to apps like TikTok and Instagram after 10pm. A quarter reported spending over four hours daily on social media.

The research also showed troubling trends in online behavior. About 42% admitted lying to their parents about their online activities, while the same proportion said they had misrepresented their age. Additionally, 40% had created burner accounts, and 27% had impersonated someone else online. Another 27% shared their location with strangers.

The findings come as UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle suggested the government may consider mandatory curfews on social media use for young people. However, experts warn that curfews alone are not enough. Rani Govender from the NSPCC emphasized that harmful content can still be accessed at other times and called for safer, less addictive platforms.

Andy Burrows, head of the Molly Rose Foundation, which focuses on suicide prevention, said the data shows young people are aware of the risks and want protective action. He stressed the need for urgent regulation that prioritizes child safety over tech profits, warning that algorithms can expose users to distressing content unintentionally.