Teens seeking world beyond their screens

Irish kids want more real-life adventures

- BY KEITH FALKINER

WE CAN all do with cutting back on our screen time to improve on our mental and physical health.

A new study shows that Irish teenagers are not just digitally aware but are also actively seeking ways to get off their devices.

This major new study of more than 4,000 young people across Europe reveals a generation that's motivated to cut back on their screen time, and seeking more offline activities.

The research was conducted by GWI and included 500 Irish teens. Commissioned by Vodafone, the 2025 Gen Z and Alpha Smartphone Study reveals in Ireland:

■ 63% of young people aged 11-17 want to reduce their screen time - rising to 96% among 16-17-year-olds.

■ 83% say having more real-life things to do would help them use phones more healthily.

■ 92% want tools that help them go offline and discover local activities.

■ 76% say real-life moments with friends and family bring them more happiness than online content.