Sixteen and 17-year-olds across the UK will soon face a social media curfew, with a default block on certain apps between midnight and 6am. This move is part of Labour's efforts to shield young people from online harm, particularly late-night scrolling that disrupts sleep patterns.
The initiative builds upon restrictions for under-16s, which included platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. For older teenagers, the new curfew will not be mandatory and can be easily overridden. Features like automatic video play and endless feeds will also be switched off by default, though users can re-enable them.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced that specific apps covered by the default curfew have yet to be named. The government aims to prevent a 'cliff edge' where teenagers are suddenly exposed to social media's most addictive features upon turning 16. A public consultation found both young people and their parents want protection from online features that can negatively impact well-being.
However, the new measures have been criticised by internet safety groups. The Molly Rose Foundation described them as 'piecemeal announcements', while Beeban Kidron, founder of the 5Rights Foundation, suggested a default setting that can be easily switched off is 'for show and headlines, not for children'.
The government's own research showed curfews to be the most effective way to enforce social media restrictions. Tests found that restricting access to platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Reddit led to improved sleep quality, with young people reporting earlier bedtimes, better rest, and reduced stress.