LONDON — The British government has proposed introducing a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds as part of a broader package of online safety measures aimed at reducing excessive screen time and limiting exposure to features considered addictive.
Under proposals announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, social media platforms would automatically enable a midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew for users aged 16 and 17, while disabling features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling by default. Teenagers would be able to change the settings and continue using the services if they choose, making the restrictions voluntary rather than mandatory.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the measures were intended to ensure that teenagers did not face "a cliff edge" in online protections after turning 16. In a government statement, she said consultation responses from parents and young people indicated that older teenagers should continue to receive safeguards against online features that could affect their wellbeing.
The government said the proposals build on its previously announced plans to prohibit social media services for children under 16 from spring 2027. Officials said the latest package seeks to balance greater independence for older teenagers with protections intended to encourage healthier online habits.
According to the government, the measures were informed by a pilot involving more than 300 teenagers and their families. Officials said participating families reported that overnight curfews became part of household routines and were associated with improvements in sleep and concentration, though the government did not present the pilot as conclusive scientific evidence.
The proposals would also expand media literacy education in schools through updated Relationships, Sex and Health Education lessons and future curriculum changes covering artificial intelligence, misinformation and online harms, according to the department.
Some opposition politicians and child safety advocates have questioned whether default settings that users can override will be effective in reducing harmful online behaviour. Others have argued that restrictions should be accompanied by stronger regulation of platform design and recommendation systems.
The government said it intends to lay the first regulations before Parliament by the end of 2026. Subject to legislative approval, the new requirements are expected to take effect in spring 2027 alongside enforcement measures and age-assurance requirements for affected platforms.
