One month after it was first announced, the UK government has revealed its plans for the UK social media ban.
While under–16s will be blocked from accessing social media platforms entirely, the government has now confirmed that 16 and 17–year–olds will face curfews.
From midnight to 6am every night, their access to popular social media will be switched off.
Features that are designed to keep teens scrolling for longer will also be switched off by default for older teenagers.
This includes videos that automatically play one after another and feeds that continually serve up personalised content.
‘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,’ said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
‘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.’
While under–16s will be blocked from accessing social media platforms entirely, the government has now confirmed that 16 and 17–year–olds will face curfews (stock image)
The new measures have been announced following a pilot involving 300 teenagers and their parents across the UK.
According to the government, participating families reported that overnight curfews ‘quickly became part of their routine’ and ‘helped improve sleep and concentration.’
From Spring 2027, under–16s will be banned from all social media services, while 16 and 17–year olds will have overnight curfews.
‘The new protections strike a balance between giving older teenagers greater safeguards online while still allowing them to change their own settings if they wish,’ the government explained.
In addition, new rules around AI chatbots have been announced.
Under–18s will be enouraged to take regular breaks while using these bots, encouraging ‘healthier online habits’.
What’s more, the government is working with regulators to address services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice.
‘Ministers will consider all options, including banning chatbots that pose a serious threat to children,’ it added.
Exactly how these measures will be implemented remains unclear.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology for clarification.
Speaking in Downing Street when the rules were announced last month, Sir Keir Starmer said it was clear to him that ‘a full ban is the right choice’ following a Government consultation on possible measures.
But Ian Russell – the father of 14–year–old Molly Russell who took her own life in 2017 after viewing online content about suicide and self–harm – told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘I can’t help but think that this is just a rush job when it’s come to online safety.’
Mr Russell had previously warned it would be ‘deplorable’ if the process of introducing new social media restrictions had been sped up for political reasons, with Sir Keir under huge pressure to introduce a ban from Labour MPs.
