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UK proposes overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds
The plan would block major apps by default between midnight and 06:00, while the government also seeks to disable features like auto-play and infinite scroll.
The UK government has announced an overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, set to apply by default from midnight to 06:00 on platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
According to BBC Business, teens would be able to opt out by changing account settings, and the government also wants “addictive” product features such as auto-play and infinite scroll to be disabled, arguing the package would improve sleep, focus and family time.
The curfew follows an earlier June announcement that under-16s would be banned entirely from a range of platforms. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the measures are intended to help young people get the sleep they need and stay focused on school and college.
Critics from campaign groups and politicians challenged the approach as piecemeal, with BBC Business noting concerns that switch-off curfews may not meaningfully improve safety. The government said it aims to place the new proposals before parliament by the end of 2026, with the goal of implementation alongside the under-16 ban next spring.