Rising UK screen time sparks concerns for wellbeing
Concerns are rising over how extended internet habits affect wellbeing in the UK, particularly as children describe the emotional impact of constant content consumption.
UK internet use has risen sharply, with adults spending over four and a half hours a day online in 2025, according to Ofcom’s latest Online Nation report.
Public sentiment has cooled, as fewer people now believe the internet is good for society, despite most still judging its benefits to outweigh the risks.
Children report complex online experiences, with many enjoying their digital time while also acknowledging adverse effects such as the so-called ‘brain rot’ linked to endless scrolling.
Significant portions of young people’s screen time occur late at night on major platforms, raising concerns about well-being.
New rules requiring age checks for UK pornography sites prompted a surge in VPN use as people attempted to bypass restrictions, although numbers have since declined.
Young users increasingly turn to online tools such as ASMR for relaxation, yet many also encounter toxic self-improvement content and body shaming.
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