UK government proposes social media curfews for teenagers
The UK government has announced plans to introduce voluntary social media curfews for teenagers, stating its commitment to making Britain the safest place for children online, reports BritPanorama.
Under these plans unveiled on Wednesday, 16 and 17-year-olds will by default be restricted from accessing social media platforms between midnight and 6am. Additionally, features deemed addictive, such as auto-scrolling and algorithm-driven feeds, will also be turned off.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described these measures as part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing online safety. This announcement follows a previous commitment by opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer to ban social media use for those under 16. Online safety minister Kanishka Narayan emphasized that the government is “firmly on the side of” parents and families in safeguarding young individuals.
In an interview with Times Radio, Narayan stated, “The big thing I’d say is this is part of an overall package that means Britain is now the safest place for young people in their experiences online.” He defended the plan against critics who raised concerns over its effectiveness, citing trial results indicating that 90% of teenagers would likely adhere to the curfews.
Feedback from families involved in a government pilot involving over 300 teenagers showed that such overnight curfews could improve sleep quality and concentration, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Narayan argued that the voluntary aspect of these restrictions is empowering for teenagers and essential to avoid abrupt changes once they turn 16.
The proposals also extend to requiring minors to take regular breaks while using chatbots, and include measures to address AI services that could provide dangerous, misleading, or unverified mental health advice. The government is considering a ban on chatbots posing significant risks to children, DSIT noted.
New guidance aimed at children, parents, and guardians concerning the safe use of AI will be published, alongside strengthened media literacy education in schools starting in September.
Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, welcomed these announcements, describing them as a “positive step” towards responding to young people’s calls for increased online protection. She expressed interest in how restrictions like the curfew would be implemented, vowing to monitor their effectiveness closely.
In contrast, the Conservative Party criticized the proposals as a “dog’s dinner,” urging a focus instead on a complete ban on social media for individuals under 16. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott remarked, “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 also highlighted concerns regarding the inconsistency of policy, referencing the expansion of AI tutors in schools while promoting lessons on managing the dangers of AI chatbots.
NSPCC Chief Executive Chris Sherwood acknowledged that the proposals make some progress in improving young people’s online experiences but cautioned they may not be sufficient alone. He stated, “Unless they’re followed up with further, stronger measures, they will be a sticking plaster that fails to address the addictive design features which are driving high screen time and undermining children’s wellbeing.”
The government’s approach signals an evolving debate on balancing youth autonomy with the need for responsible online engagement in an increasingly digital world.
