UK Plans Nighttime Social Media Curfew for Teens Aged 16-17 Starting 2027
The UK government announced plans to impose a nighttime social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, blocking access to certain apps by default from midnight to 6 a.m., starting in spring 2027. However, teens will be able to override this restriction by adjusting their account settings. This measure accompanies a planned ban on social media use for children under 16. The specific apps affected have not been officially listed but are expected to include Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Reddit. Messaging and educational platforms such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams will be exempt, as will YouTube, despite its inclusion in the under-16 ban context.
The government also intends to disable features that encourage prolonged use, like autoplay and infinite scrolling, by default, though these too can be easily turned off by users aged 16-17. The initiative aims to prevent sudden exposure to addictive features immediately after teens turn 16. The policy is based on a government trial involving 300 youths aged 13 to 17, which tested three approaches: limiting social media to 15 minutes daily, a full curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and complete app removal. The curfew was found to be the most effective, improving sleep quality, alertness, concentration, and reducing stress, though some participants felt socially isolated.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall emphasized the importance of these restrictions for helping young people get adequate sleep and focus on school and family time. Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan dismissed concerns about the curfew’s effectiveness, noting that over 90% of teens in previous trials chose to keep similar settings active. Additionally, the government plans to regulate AI chatbots for minors, including mandatory breaks and restricting romantic or intimate chatbot interactions to adults.
Critics, including child protection advocates and political figures, argue the measures are partial and insufficient. Some warn that a blanket nighttime block could harm vulnerable youths needing support. The government has decided not to restrict VPN use, acknowledging its legitimate privacy uses, though it will continue to monitor this issue. These new rules complement existing online safety regulations enforced by Ofcom, which require tech companies to implement over 40 measures to protect children from harmful content and online risks.
