The government's latest push to safeguard teenagers from the dangers of addictive social media is set to introduce a default midnight curfew on online activity, aiming to protect 16 and 17-year-olds from the pitfalls of excessive screen time. This move comes as part of a broader effort to regulate the digital landscape, following concerns that prolonged exposure to certain online features can have detrimental effects on mental health and wellbeing.
The new measures, announced by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, build upon existing plans under the Online Safety Act, which will ban under-16s from social media platforms from spring 2027. The overnight curfew, running from midnight to 6am, will be automatically enabled for teenagers aged 16 and 17, although they will retain the option to switch restrictions off themselves if desired.
The policy has its roots in a government-backed trial involving over 300 families, which found that reducing social media usage led to improved sleep quality, concentration levels, and reduced stress among teenagers. Secretary Kendall stated that this evidence highlighted a clear message from both parents and young people: as they gain independence at 16, they should still be protected from online features that could harm their wellbeing.
Separately, the government is exploring new safeguards for AI chatbots, including mandatory breaks for under-18s and restrictions on services offering unverified mental health advice. They also intend to consider banning chatbots posing a serious risk to children, reflecting growing concerns about the evolving landscape of digital interaction for young people.
However, critics argue that the accelerated timeline and scope of these measures may not be fully thought through. Mafruhdha Miah, a senior associate at RPC law firm, expressed concerns about potential practical hurdles, such as implementing robust age verification technology, which could raise privacy concerns for adult users and impose significant compliance burdens on tech companies.
Despite this criticism, public support remains high for stronger action on social media access. Research from GWI shows that 61 per cent of UK parents back age verification for social media, while 71 per cent identify cyberbullying as a major concern. The government's proposals demonstrate their determination to address these anxieties and strengthen online safety for young people across the UK.