UK to Extend Overnight Social Media Curfew to 16- and 17-Year-Olds

UK to Extend Overnight Social Media Curfew to 16- and 17-Year-Olds
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The UK government has announced plans to extend social media restrictions to 16- and 17-year-olds, introducing overnight access limits and additional safeguards to reduce excessive screen time and protect teenagers from harmful digital content.

Under the proposed measures, social media platforms would apply a default curfew blocking access between midnight and 6 a.m. for users aged 16 and 17. Platforms would also be required to disable addictive features such as infinite scrolling by default and introduce prompts encouraging breaks when teenagers use AI chatbots.

The government said the measures aim to improve young people’s mental health, sleep and online wellbeing, building on existing protections for younger children under the UK’s broader online safety strategy.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said teenagers should remain protected from platform features designed to encourage excessive use, even as they become more independent.

The proposals come amid growing international concern over the impact of prolonged social media use on adolescents, including links to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and reduced wellbeing. Several countries, including Australia, Canada, the UAE and Indonesia, have also introduced or considered stronger regulations on children’s online activity.