Teenagers in the UK could soon face a voluntary overnight social media curfew and other restrictions as part of new government plans.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds would have default settings that prevent access to most social media platforms between midnight and 6am.
This forms part of a set of new online safety proposals aimed at reducing exposure to addictive digital content and promoting healthier use of technology.
Under the plans, 16 and 17-year-olds would also have features like infinite scrolling, autoplay video reels, and algorithm-driven content feeds switched off by default.
The plans follow an announcement made in June that under-16s in the UK would be banned entirely from a range of platforms.
Discussing the plans, Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary, said: "Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing.
"These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.
"We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive."
How will the new restrictions work?
That ban is expected to apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but will not extend to messaging services like WhatsApp or Signal.
Criticism has been levelled at the new measures, as 16 and 17-year-olds would still have the option to disable the curfew and other default restrictions.
Laura Trott, Conservative shadow education secretary, said: "This is another dog’s dinner from Labour.
"Either they think 16 and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don’t, but curfews they can simply switch off won’t achieve anything."
Kendall also proposed new safeguards around artificial intelligence aimed at under-18s.
These include mandatory breaks for young users of AI chatbots and restrictions on AI systems delivering "dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice."
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (Dsit) said chatbots posing a "serious threat" to children could be banned.
Guidance for children and parents on safe use of AI will also be issued, and media literacy education will be strengthened in schools starting in September.
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: "These proposed safety measures for 16 and 17-year-olds will go some way to improving the experiences of young people on social media – particularly having autoplay and functions that recommend content turned off by default and a curfew.
"But the proposals will not be enough on their own.
"Unless they’re followed up with further, stronger measures they will be a sticking plaster that fails to address the addictive design features which are driving high screentime and undermining children’s wellbeing."
The government says it will aim to lay its new proposed measures in front of Parliament by the end of 2026, with the idea that they take effect alongside its social media ban for under-16s next spring.
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