UK Proposes Midnight-6 a.m. Social Media Curfew for 16-17-Year-Olds as Under-16 Ban Looms
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 14
UK Proposes Midnight-6 a.m. Social Media Curfew for 16-17-Year-Olds as Under-16 Ban Looms
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 14
Summary
Midnight-to-06:00 access to Instagram, TikTok and YouTube would be switched off by default for UK 16- and 17-year-olds under government proposals, though teens could opt out by changing account settings.
Addictive features including auto-play and infinite scroll would also be disabled by default, with ministers saying the package should improve sleep, school focus and family time.
300 teens took part in a month-long government trial, which found overnight curfews delivered the biggest sleep gains and were easier for parents to enforce than full app bans or one-hour limits.
Critics from the Conservatives, child-safety groups and academics said the plan is too weak because it can be bypassed, while warning a blanket curfew could also cut off vulnerable teens seeking help at night.
The measures are due to reach parliament by end-2026 and are intended to take effect next spring alongside the UK's planned ban on a range of social platforms for under-16s.