According to new global research conducted by the American research center Pew Research Center, millions of people around the world, including in Europe, spend a significant part of their time online. According to the survey results, 28% of respondents from 24 countries, including 10 European ones, stated that they use the internet almost constantly.
In Europe, the leaders in this indicator are: Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Italy. In these countries, over 90% of the population has broadband internet access at home. The highest percentage of 'constant' internet users is recorded in Japan (56%) and South Korea (49%). The least amount of internet users in Europe are in Hungary - 12% of respondents stated that they do not go online at all.
The research results emerged amid growing concerns about gadget and internet addiction. Politicians in Europe are responding to this situation. For example, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen compared the dangers of social media for young people to alcohol and drugs. She suggested discussing the issue of 'digital adulthood' and restricting access to social media for children.
Schools and Social Media
According to UNESCO, by the end of 2024, dozens of schools worldwide have already banned the use of smartphones. It should be noted that new restrictions for social media users will come into effect in Turkey: children and teenagers under 16 years old will be prohibited from creating and using accounts on social networks.
Interesting statistical data on internet usage in different countries and initiatives in the field of digital security aimed at reducing internet addiction indicate the importance of managing citizens' digital activity, especially for children and teenagers.