UK Proposes Midnight Social Media Curfew for Older Teens
Showbiz Reporter Staff
The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, aiming to improve teenagers' sleep, focus, and family life while reducing exposure to addictive online features.
UK Unveils New Digital Wellbeing Measures
Under the proposal, popular platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube would automatically restrict access for 16- and 17-year-olds between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Users could choose to disable the restriction by changing their account settings, making the curfew a default rather than a mandatory ban.
Alongside the overnight restriction, the government wants platforms to switch off features widely viewed as addictive, including auto-play and infinite scrolling, unless users actively opt back in.
Government Says the Plan Supports Teen Health
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the proposed measures are designed to help teenagers develop healthier online habits.
According to the government, reducing late-night screen time could improve sleep quality, increase concentration at school and college, and encourage more face-to-face interaction with family and friends.
Officials argue the goal is not to eliminate young people's access to technology but to create safer digital environments while preserving the benefits of online communication and learning.
Critics Call the Plan Incomplete
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The proposals have already drawn criticism from child safety campaigners and opposition politicians.
Some campaigners described the measures as "piecemeal" and argued they fail to adequately address broader online safety concerns.
Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott also criticized the plan, calling it a "dog's dinner" and questioning whether the proposed safeguards go far enough to protect children.
The government is expected to continue consultations as the proposals move through the policy process.
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