Adolescents express need for safer internet environments

A study commissioned by Instituto Alana and conducted by Agência Koga reveals a complex relationship between adolescents aged 13 to 18 and the internet. While 63% of respondents report feeling happiness when connected and 71% believe the internet should continue to exist with improvements, there is significant awareness of its negative impacts. Approximately 50% of participants admit to spending more time online than they would like, with 41% feeling dependent on their mobile devices and 39% noting that internet use has interfered with their studies.

Respondents expressed a desire for better digital environments, with 49% believing platforms are responsible for improvements and 43% calling for increased platform control. To mitigate risks, 44% of youth actively block harmful accounts or content.

Complementary discussions highlight a growing lack of safe, age-appropriate digital spaces for younger generations. The disappearance of dedicated children's media has led to Generation Alpha consuming the same algorithms and content as adults. This shift is exacerbated by early device access; data shows internet access among children aged 6 to 8 rose from 41% in 2015 to 82% in 2024, often leaving them exposed to adult-oriented trends and unregulated advertising.