British authorities have introduced a plan to implement an overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds. While apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube would be restricted between midnight and 6:00 am by default, teens maintain the ability to opt out through their account settings.
Beyond the curfew, the government intends to disable addictive design elements, specifically infinite scrolling and auto-play features. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall argued these adjustments will enhance sleep quality, academic focus, and family engagement. However, the proposal has faced significant pushback. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott labeled the plan a failure, arguing that curfews that can be easily deactivated are ineffective.
Child safety advocates, including the Molly Rose Foundation, have criticized the announcement as a fragmented approach rather than a comprehensive safety strategy. Conversely, experts like Professor Sonia Livingstone raised concerns that a blanket curfew could isolate vulnerable youths who rely on digital support networks during nighttime hours. The government plans to present these measures to parliament by late 2026, aiming for implementation alongside a broader ban on social media for children under 16.
