The UK government has proposed an overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, blocking certain apps by default from midnight to 6am, alongside limits on infinite scrolling. The measures will not be mandatory and can be overridden, prompting criticism from campaigners.
Key facts
- A midnight to 6am block on certain apps would be switched on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds.
- The government has also proposed limits on infinite scrolling.
- The curfew will not be mandatory and teens can opt out.
- The plan is set to take effect from next spring.
- It extends an earlier under-16 social media ban covering apps such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
The UK government has proposed new measures aimed at protecting older teenagers on social media, including a midnight curfew and a limit to infinite scrolling, according to CNBC. Under the plan, certain apps would be blocked by default between midnight and 6am for 16- and 17-year-olds.
The Guardian reports that the move is the latest stage of Labour’s effort “to protect the next generation” from online harms, including poor sleep caused by night-time scrolling. From next spring, Britain’s oldest children would be urged to refrain from using certain apps, with the overnight block switched on by default.
A key feature of the proposal is that it is not compulsory. As the BBC notes, teens will be able to opt out of the restrictions, and the Guardian reports the curfew can be overridden. This voluntary element is central to the debate over whether the policy will have any real effect.
The plan is an extension of the under-16 social media ban announced the previous month, which included restrictions on platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, according to the Guardian.
The government says the measures will improve teenagers’ lives, as reported by the BBC. However, campaigners have criticised the approach, describing it as “piecemeal” and a “missed opportunity.”
The Guardian has also raised the central question surrounding the policy: because the curfew will not be mandatory and teenagers can opt out, whether it will achieve anything remains in doubt. Social affairs correspondent Jessica Murray addressed the issue in the outlet’s coverage.
Why it matters
The proposal reflects growing government concern about the effects of social media on young people's wellbeing and sleep. Because the curfew is voluntary and can be overridden, its effectiveness is contested, raising broader questions about how governments can meaningfully regulate online harms for teenagers.
Frequently asked questions
Who does the proposed social media curfew apply to?
The proposed curfew applies to 16- and 17-year-olds in the UK, extending an earlier social media ban for under-16s.
When would the curfew be in effect?
Certain apps would be blocked by default from midnight to 6am, with the measures set to take effect from next spring.
Is the curfew mandatory?
No. According to the BBC and the Guardian, the curfew will not be mandatory and teens can opt out or override it.