The UK government has unveiled a package of online-safety measures targeted at older teenagers, including an overnight curfew for social media use by 16- and 17-year-olds and a requirement to disable certain “addictive” features. The curfew would by default block apps such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube between midnight and 06:00 for these age groups, unless a user chooses to opt out by adjusting account settings. In addition, the plan calls for turning off auto-play and infinite scroll across platforms to reduce the pull of endless scrolling, with the aim of improving sleep, concentration on schoolwork, and time spent with family.
Officials emphasised that the curfew is designed as part of a broader effort to curb risky online experiences while preserving access to digital resources that can be valuable for social connections and safety. Campaigners have warned that restrictions could be circumvented if users simply switch the settings back, and that more comprehensive safeguards may be required.
The government has said the measures will be laid before Parliament by the end of 2026 and would take effect alongside the previously announced under-16 ban next spring. A trial cited by ministers involved 300 teenagers and found an overnight curfew produced sleep benefits, though researchers warned that the evidence is preliminary and should be considered as part of a broader assessment.
In addition to the curfew, officials indicated plans to help children use AI chatbots safely by requiring providers to introduce regular breaks for users under 18. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall characterised the package as crucial to helping young people sleep better, focus on education, and spend more quality time with family and friends, while urging a broader safety framework for online services.
Reaction to the proposals was mixed. Some critics argued that curfews amount to limited measures that can be bypassed and may not address deeper safety concerns. Others welcomed device-level safety efforts, including age checks embedded in devices, with advocates saying this approach could complement platform-level controls.
Industry voices were divided. Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has previously argued that age verification should be handled at the device level rather than by platforms. In parallel, device makers have begun integrating checks—Apple, for example, has introduced age-verification prompts linked to its latest iOS software. Critics argued that turning to “banning tech” rather than addressing the design of products risks leaving vulnerable children exposed to harmful online content.
Education and child-safety groups raised questions about the practical impact of a curfew, especially for young people who rely on digital resources during the night for support. Some experts warned that curfews could disrupt access to help when it is most needed. Voices from the policy and advocacy community called for a balanced approach that protects young people without cutting them off from essential channels of support.
Among the officials defending the approach, an online-safety minister described the measures as creating Britain’s environment as one of the world’s most robust places for online safety regulation. Critics, including opposition figures and safety advocates, urged closer scrutiny of delivery plans and the practical implications for children who may require nighttime help or reassurance from trusted sources.
The government also noted it would monitor the effectiveness of these measures and adjust as new evidence emerges, with ongoing collaboration with Ofcom and other regulators to ensure that protections keep pace with evolving technology and usage patterns.
