‘How I wish I’d grown up in a time before the internet’ | UK News

Generation X, the cohort born roughly between 1965 and 1980, stands as the final generation to truly comprehend life without the incessant presence of a smartphone or computer screen.

In today’s MetroTalk, a Gen-Z (1997 – 2012) reader expresses nostalgia for an era untouched by the pervasive influence of internet-induced ‘brain rot.’

But, is the internet truly the ‘worst-ever invention,’ or can we, having experienced life without it, consider reverting to a more digitally-free existence again? Or, maybe, you wouldn’t want to go back to a life where you had to wait for an answer to something that couldn’t be googled yet?

Share your thoughts on pre-internet life and the other topics discussed in the comments.

Where’s the support for parents? – the issue lies with more than Big Tech

It has been so inspiring to hear Esther Ghey vocalise the challenge of parenting in today’s tech world.

The mother of murdered Brianna wants to ban under-16s from looking at social media on their phones after it was revealed her daughter’s killers had watched torture footage online.

This is the first generation of kids and parents to have lived through this tech world – where’s the support for parents?

Much of the protocol and narrative within social care, the NHS, safeguarding and education is about parental blame.

In support of Esther’s campaign and in reply to predictable Retired Safeguarding Officer (MetroTalk, Tue), who says limiting phone use among kids would be nigh-on impossible, the hope and the solution is that parliament steps in – and fast.

By law, only specific certified devices can be sold to and held by under-16s.

By law, a verified ID key proving age must be inputted to buy and set up an adult phone or sign up to apps.

By law, platforms must offer PIN content protection and accessible ‘YA’ profiles, not just ‘kids’ and ‘adults’, which leaves teens in a gap between.

These are simple steps, many of which we already do for online passport applications, going to the cinema or buying alcohol. Make it law!

The issue of inappropriate content and chatspaces lies not just with Big Tech but device manufacturers, retailers, platforms and network providers.

They all play a part in making money from access that is too easy for kids and too problematic for parents. Dave, Hove

Should we take a note from the France?

When is this country going to grow a pair and stop sleepwalking and start fighting back like the French as regards raising the state pension age to a possible 71, which is an absolute disgrace?

Are we, the working class, expected to literally work till we drop dead? Steve, Hackbridge

Does Labour take the black vote for granted?

So, the Labour Party is worried that Muslims are turning away over its stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and will not vote for Sir Keir Starmer in the next election.

As a woman of colour, where does that leave us Afro-Caribbeans, who have traditionally supported Labour?

The party takes the black vote as a given and feels it does not have to do anything for us. Labour does not address our shortcomings, and how systemic racism affects us Afro-Caribbean people, such as the high level of black women whose children die in childbirth, or black men who for decades have been dying in police custody while there does not seem to be any accountability. The list is endless.

I think black people such as myself should think carefully on who and what we are voting for and ask for something for our vote, instead of being ignored and considered irrelevant by the Labour Party. Joyce, Tottenham, Ex-Labour Supporter

‘Extremists’ at the National Trust

Here is why the Conservatives are finally running out of steam.

Labour supporters, with lefty civil servants, are always tearing down the British establishment.

Conservative supporters are supposed 
to preserve Britain’s status quo and patriotism but have long since stopped.

For example, what could be more conservative than the National Trust? It has been taken over by extremists, as have many other previously worthy British institutions.

If you don’t protect that which is worth keeping, then all is lost. This is why the so-called ‘broad church’ of Conservatives as a party are finished – they no longer share an active sense of purpose. Mike, Surrey

‘Euthanasia treats the existence of the human as the problem’

Further to the debate on the topic on these pages, the reason assisted dying is wrong is because it goes against the basic moral principle that all human beings are valuable.

That is an oath that goes back almost 2,500 years. Euthanasia treats the existence of the human being rather than their ailment as the problem, and once you start killing people rather than treating their ailments, you cease to be a doctor, and cease to be acting morally.

Legalising euthanasia would be like the state saying the lives of some people are not worth living. Brendan Butler, Ruislip

We must investigate all causes of cancer

Like most people, I’m shocked and saddened that King Charles has cancer, despite him being health-conscious and trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

It’s now stated by medical experts that cancer rates have risen greatly in recent years and that half the UK population will develop the disease during their lifetime.

This is an appalling statistic. The authorities urgently need to look into possible causes, such as toxic chemicals, pollution of our environment and ever-increasing plastic particles, before that statistic rises even higher. AW, Middlesex

MORE : I went to Dignitas with my terminal friend – a year later, I made the trip again with her dying husband

MORE : Unlike the King, not everyone can start cancer treatment in the UK ‘straight away’

MORE : Brianna Ghey’s mum Esther sends incredibly selfless message to killer’s mother

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