New Social Media Curfews and Stricter Regulations on Addictive Features to Safeguard 16- and 17-Year-Olds Online

The government has announced a series of new measures aimed at protecting older teenagers online, implementing default nighttime curfews and disabling addictive features on social media platforms for 16- and 17-year-olds. These initiatives are designed to support parents and ensure that young individuals do not abruptly transition into unrestricted online environments as they approach adulthood.

Nighttime Restrictions for Social Media Usage

Starting from midnight until 6am, social media apps will automatically activate curfews for users aged 16 and 17. In addition, features that encourage prolonged usage—such as autoplay videos and endlessly personalised feeds—will also be switched off by default for this age group. These measures come in the wake of a major government initiative banning social media access for individuals under 16, set to take effect in the spring of next year, and aim to provide a smoother transition for teenagers as they grow older.

The new regulations aim to strike a balance, granting older teenagers additional online protections while still allowing them the autonomy to change their privacy settings if they choose to do so. This approach reflects feedback from a pioneering government pilot involving over 300 teenagers and parents across the UK, where families reported that overnight curfews quickly became integrated into their routines, resulting in improved sleep quality and increased concentration.

Supporting Teen Well-being Through Online Safety

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasised the importance of protecting young people from addictive online features that may negatively impact their mental well-being. She stated, “Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike—although young people gain more independence at 16, they should still be shielded from the most addictive online features.” She added that these measures are essential for ensuring that young individuals can rest adequately, concentrate on their studies, and nurture relationships with family and friends, all of which are crucial for fostering a happy and healthy adulthood.

Additionally, Kendall expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that young people can enjoy the benefits of technology while wielding the necessary tools to navigate online spaces effectively.

Enhanced Protections for AI Chatbot Usage

Alongside the new social media protections, the Technology Secretary plans to introduce a series of initiatives aimed at promoting safe usage of AI chatbots among children. This will include mandatory breaks for users under 18, encouraging more balanced online habits. The government will collaborate with regulators and other governmental bodies to tackle services that provide misleading, dangerous, or unverified mental health advice. All possible options will be considered, including the prohibition of chatbots that present a serious risk to children.

Moreover, the government is set to release updated guidance for children, parents, and guardians, aimed at fostering safe and confident engagement with AI technologies. This will be complemented by an expansion of the Kids Online Safety Hub, which will provide resources and information on safe online practices.

Improving Media Literacy in Schools

To enhance media literacy skills, schools will introduce new RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) classes starting September. These classes will focus on critical thinking regarding emerging technologies, including AI and chatbots, and will instruct children on identifying misinformation, as well as recognising violent and misogynistic content online. Furthermore, from September 2028, the National Curriculum will incorporate media literacy across various subjects, reinforcing English and History lessons to analyse sources and detect bias, alongside an enhanced computing curriculum covering AI, data science, and technological biases.

The government intends to lay the first set of regulations regarding social media restrictions before Parliament by the end of this year, with the measures expected to be implemented by spring 2027, accompanied by thorough enforcement mechanisms.