Labour's proposed social media restrictions for young people have been met with criticism, with opponents labeling the plans a "dog's dinner" and arguing they are easily circumvented.
The government announced that a curfew will automatically prevent youngsters from using social media between midnight and 6 a.m. However, the measures allow children to switch off these restrictions. Additionally, features such as autoplay videos, recommender feeds, and infinite scroll will be disabled for 16- and 17-year-olds, despite the age group being eligible to vote.
Ministers also plan to introduce "regular breaks" for users under 18 interacting with AI chatbots and restrict chatbots offering mental health advice. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated these measures are intended to help young people get adequate sleep, focus on education, and spend more time with family and friends.
However, critics contend the plans "won't achieve anything" and represent a superficial effort to protect children online. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott stated that curfews which can be switched off are ineffective and that giving 16-year-olds the vote while imposing social media curfews is contradictory.
"Either they think 16- and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don't, but curfews they can simply switch off won't achieve anything," Trott said. She also criticized the simultaneous rollout of AI tutors for disadvantaged students and lessons on dealing with AI chatbot dangers, urging a more direct approach to removing under-16s from social media.
Arabella Skinner, director of campaign group Health Professionals for Safer Screens, expressed disappointment that the measures are merely defaults that can be easily overridden. These plans follow a government pilot program involving over 300 teenagers and parents.
Keir Starmer initially announced that a social media ban for young people would be implemented next spring after sustained pressure from campaigners. Ministers stated the latest measures aim to protect the next generation by preventing a sudden exposure to addictive online features upon turning 16. Labour intends to present the social media restriction regulations before Parliament by the end of the year.
