UK Government Proposes Midnight Curfew and Feature Limits for Older Teens’ Social Media Use

The government has proposed new measures for 16- and 17-year-olds in the United Kingdom, including a default overnight social media curfew and the disabling of features like infinite scrolling. These rules would automatically apply between midnight and 6:00 a.m., although users retain the option to override the settings. The administration stated the changes aim to improve teenagers' sleep quality and focus. These proposals build on earlier announcements of a complete ban for those under 16. While some experts caution that the opt-out structure limits the effectiveness of the rules, the government maintains the combined measures are necessary for safeguarding youth. Critiques from parents and child safety groups noted that the self-regulating nature of the curfew weakens its impact. Despite these concerns, the government defended the plan, emphasizing that establishing clear online guidelines is crucial for building robust digital habits. The proposals are set to guide online safety efforts across the country.

Sources

• Midnight social media curfew and limits to infinite scrolling proposed for older UK teens — CNBC
• Midnight social media curfew proposed for UK teens aged 16 and 17 — BBC
• ‘What’s the point?’ Teenagers give their verdict on Britain’s social media curfew — The Guardian
• Keir Starmer leaves Andy Burnham to figure out kids’ social media ban — politico.eu