The UK Government has announced a new overnight social media ban for older British teenagers, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to opt out by adjusting their account settings.
From midnight to 6 AM, popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will be inaccessible to this age group by default.
The government also plans to disable “addictive” features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling. These measures, alongside curfews, aim to enhance teenagers’ sleep quality, concentration, and overall home life.
Critics have labeled these proposals as “piecemeal” and a “missed opportunity” for improving child safety online.
This announcement follows June’s decision to implement a total ban on various platforms for users under 16 in the UK.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated: “This initiative is vital for ensuring young people get the necessary sleep, focus on their studies, and enjoy more quality time with family and friends, which are key to thriving in adulthood.”
“We aim to empower young people with the right tools to enjoy the benefits of technology in a safe environment.”
Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, criticized the plan as a “dog’s dinner.”
“They need to decide whether 16- and 17-year-olds should be on social media or not. An order to simply shut off access won’t solve the underlying issues,” she stated.
The government also indicated plans for further measures to ensure AI chatbots are child-friendly, including mandating regular breaks for users under 18.
New legislation is expected in parliament by the end of 2026, aiming to coincide with the spring implementation of the social media ban for under-16s.
However, numerous child safety charities and experts have raised concerns over the effectiveness of these late-night curfews for British teenagers.
Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, remarked: “While we support these measures for older teenagers, this is once again a piecemeal effort instead of a comprehensive strategy for children’s safety.”
He criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for announcing a social media ban in a rushed manner while leaving the next leader, Andy Burnham, with missed opportunities.
Professor Sonia Livingstone, a children’s digital rights expert at the London School of Economics, cautioned that such curfews might harm vulnerable children by restricting their access to social media, especially in times of need.
Speaking to the BBC, she stated: “If curfews are imposed on companies using push notifications at night, then it is absolutely sensible to have such regulations.”
“However, it could be detrimental if such curfews prevent a child from reaching out for support or comfort when it is most urgently needed.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk