The UK government has announced proposals for an overnight social media curfew targeting 16 and 17-year-olds, aiming to improve sleep quality, focus, and family life. Under the proposed rules, apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube would be unavailable by default to this age group between midnight and 6 a.m. Users would have the ability to opt out of these restrictions by adjusting their account settings.
Additionally, the government intends for features deemed "addictive," like auto-play and infinite scroll, to be disabled by default on these platforms. These measures are part of a broader effort to encourage healthier digital habits among young people. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that these regulations are crucial for helping young people get adequate sleep, concentrate on their education, and foster stronger connections with family and friends, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling adult life. She added that the aim is to allow young people to "enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive."
Plans also include measures to help children use AI chatbots safely, such as requiring providers to implement regular breaks for users under 18. The government aims to present these proposed regulations to Parliament by the end of 2026, with the intention of them taking effect alongside a previously announced ban on social media for under-16s next spring.
However, the proposals have drawn criticism. Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, described the plans as "a dog's dinner," arguing that curfews which can be easily switched off by users will not be effective. Child safety charities and experts have also expressed skepticism, with some calling the measures "piecemeal" and a "missed opportunity" for comprehensive child safety.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, stated that while welcoming measures for older teens, the announcements do not constitute the thorough plan for children's safety that is needed. Professor Sonia Livingstone, an expert in children's digital rights at the London School of Economics, raised concerns that a curfew could potentially harm vulnerable children by limiting their access to social media during times they might need support or connection the most. She suggested that a curfew on companies using push notifications to disturb users at night would be acceptable, but a curfew preventing children from reaching out to trusted sources in the middle of the night could be harmful.