The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce a voluntary overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, alongside new restrictions aimed at reducing excessive screen time and improving online safety for young people.
According to The Independent UK, the proposals, announced by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, would introduce default settings that block access to social media platforms between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
The measures also include disabling features such as infinite scrolling and introducing mandatory breaks for teenagers using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.
Kendall said the proposals are designed to help young people get enough sleep, concentrate better in school and college, and spend more time with family and friends.
She added that the government wants young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while ensuring the online environment supports their wellbeing and development.
Under the proposed rules, features designed to keep users continuously engaged, including endless video feeds and algorithm-driven content recommendations, would be switched off by default.
However, critics have questioned the effectiveness of the measures, noting that 16 and 17-year-olds would still be able to disable the default settings themselves.
The proposed curfew follows the UK government’s announcement last month of plans for a broader social media ban for children under 16, which is expected to take effect from next spring.
The restrictions are expected to apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal would not be affected.
According to the report, responsibility for finalising key aspects of the policy will fall to Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister after winning the Makerfield by-election.
The government is also considering additional safeguards for children using artificial intelligence, including compulsory breaks during chatbot use and stricter regulation of AI services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice.
Ministers are also said to be examining the possibility of banning AI chatbots considered to pose a serious risk to children.
Reacting to the proposals, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticised the plans, arguing that curfews which teenagers can easily switch off are unlikely to achieve their intended purpose.
