The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce voluntary social media curfews for teenagers aged 16 and 17, blocking access between midnight and 6am by default. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the measures on Wednesday, which also include turning off addictive features such as auto-scrolling and algorithmic feeds.
Government Aims for Safest Online Environment
Online safety minister Kanishka Narayan stated that the UK is “firmly on the side of” parents and families, adding: “The big thing I’d say is this is part of an overall package that means Britain is now the safest place for young people in their experiences online.” The plans build on a previous announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month to ban social media for under-16s.
Voluntary Nature and Effectiveness
Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the curfews, as teenagers can choose to turn them off. However, Mr Narayan defended the approach, citing trials that suggest 90% of teenagers would not disable the restrictions. A government pilot involving over 300 teenagers and parents across the UK reported that overnight curfews improved sleep and concentration, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (Dsit).
Mr Narayan argued that voluntary restrictions help “empower” teenagers and avoid a “cliff edge” after turning 16. He told Sky News: “The evidence base is clear, the motivation is very clear and I wouldn’t do the disservice to teenagers of saying they’re all going to switch it off.”
Additional Measures for AI and Education
The proposals also require under-18s to take regular breaks while using chatbots, and target AI services that provide “dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice.” Ministers are considering banning chatbots that pose a serious threat to children, Dsit said. New guidance on safe AI use for children, parents, and guardians will be published, and media literacy teaching will be strengthened in schools from September.
Reactions from Children’s Commissioner and Opposition
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the announcements as “a positive step” that responds to young people’s demand for more protection online. She said: “Young people tell me they try to cut down social media use but find it hard – so restrictions on infinite-scrolling are welcome. I want to know more about how the policies, such as a curfew, will be delivered and will be watching closely to make sure they are effective – alongside pushing Ofcom to make full use of its powers to make the online world safer for children.”
The Conservatives described the plans as a “dog’s dinner” and called for a focus on banning social media for under-16s. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: “Either they think 16 and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don’t, but curfews they can simply switch off won’t achieve anything. Giving 16-year-olds the vote while putting them under a social media curfew makes no sense. They’re also rolling out AI tutors in schools for the most disadvantaged while announcing more lessons on dealing with dangers of AI chatbots.”
NSPCC Calls for Stronger Measures
NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said the proposals go “some way” to improving young people’s online experience, but they will not be enough on their own. He stated: “Unless they’re followed up with further, stronger measures, they will be a sticking plaster that fails to address the addictive design features which are driving high screentime and undermining children’s wellbeing.”
