UK Proposes Midnight Social Media Curfew for Teens

The UK government is exploring a new proposal that would implement a social media curfew for individuals aged 16 and 17. This potential restriction would block access to social media platforms between midnight and 6 AM by default. The initiative is designed to help young people obtain adequate sleep, improve their concentration on studies, and foster more meaningful interactions with family and friends.

In addition to the curfew, the government is considering disabling certain features within apps that are considered addictive, such as infinite scrolling and auto-playing videos. These measures are intended to provide a smoother transition for 16-year-olds gaining access to these platforms. AI chatbots will also be regulated to encourage breaks for users under 18 and to prevent the dissemination of harmful mental health advice.

While app developers will be mandated to set these restrictions as the default, teenagers will retain the ability to disable them if they choose. This approach differs from the proposed ban on social media for under-16s, which is expected to be implemented in early 2027. Public reaction has shown skepticism, with some believing the measures will be ineffective.