The UK government has announced plans to introduce a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds. The move aims to prevent a cliff edge for those who will gain access to social media when they turn 16 and offer some protection from the negative effects of late-night scrolling.

Details of the Plan

Affected users would be blocked from using apps between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they change the default setting. Features designed to keep users scrolling for longer, including videos that automatically play one after another, would also be switched off by default.

Technology minister Liz Kendall said in a statement, “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.”

The move underlines global concerns among parents and policymakers about safeguarding young children from the harmful effects of social media on their mental and physical health. A study published recently showed that restrictions led to improvements in sleep, concentration, and wellbeing, and that an overnight curfew was the easiest measure for families to maintain and produced the most consistent sleep benefits.

The first set of regulations on social media restrictions will be laid before parliament by the end of this year, with measures expected to come into force in spring 2027. The government promised “robust implementation and enforcement”.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.