The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce voluntary social media curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds, aiming to restrict access between midnight and 6am by default. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the measures, which also include disabling addictive features like auto-scrolling and algorithmic feeds. However, critics have derided the plans as a 'dog's dinner', arguing that curfews which teenagers can easily switch off will prove ineffective.
Minister Defends Plans as Part of Broader Safety Package
Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan defended the initiative, stating that it demonstrates the UK is 'firmly on the side of' parents and families. He told Times Radio: '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.' Narayan countered criticism by citing trials suggesting that 90% of teenagers would not disable the curfew features, based on a government pilot involving over 300 teenagers and parents across the UK. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) reported that overnight curfews helped improve sleep and concentration among participants.
Critics Question Effectiveness and Coherence
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott described the plans as a 'dog's dinner', questioning the government's stance on social media for older teens. She 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.' Trott also highlighted inconsistencies, noting the government's simultaneous rollout of AI tutors in schools while requiring lessons on the dangers of AI chatbots.
Additional Measures and Industry Response
The proposals also include requiring under-18s to take regular breaks when using chatbots, and a crackdown on AI services providing 'dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice'. Ministers are considering banning chatbots that pose a serious threat to children. New guidance on safe AI use for children, parents, and guardians will be published, and media literacy teaching in schools will be strengthened from September. Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the announcements as 'a positive step', noting that young people often struggle to reduce social media use. However, she called for clarity on implementation and urged Ofcom to fully utilise its powers. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood described the proposals as a 'sticking plaster', warning that without stronger measures, they will fail to address addictive design features driving high screen time and undermining children's wellbeing.
