The UK government’s plan, announced on Wednesday, includes a voluntary overnight curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds as part of its latest efforts to reduce online harm among young people. The restrictions will apply to platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but will not affect messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal.
Additionally, features that encourage longer app usage, such as auto-playing videos, will be turned off by default for older teens. These measures are part of the latest initiatives from the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and will require legislative approval before taking effect. The proposals are expected to receive support from his likely successor, Andy Burnham.
Criticism and minister’s response
Critics have questioned the effectiveness of these measures, arguing that teenagers will simply disable the default settings. UK Minister for Internet Safety Kanishka Narayan dismissed this notion, calling it “an insult to teenagers.”
“For example, in October, some platforms introduced such default settings — over 90% of teenagers told us they kept these settings,” he told Sky News, referring to a recent pilot program involving over 300 teenagers and parents across the UK. This program showed a significant reduction in social media use overnight and helped improve sleep and concentration. “So, the evidence base is clear, the motivation is very clear, and I wouldn’t underestimate teenagers by saying they will all turn it off,” added Narayan.
Charity reactions
NSPCC, a leading UK children’s charity, stated that the proposals would somewhat improve young people’s experience on social media but would be insufficient on their own. NSPCC Chief Executive Chris Sherwood noted: “Unless followed by further, stronger measures, they will only be a temporary solution that cannot address the problem of design elements that cause addiction, lead to excessive screen time, and undermine children’s well-being.”
Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, described the move as “a positive step” as young people want to reduce their social media use but find it difficult. “I want to learn more about how such policies as the curfew will be implemented and will closely monitor their effectiveness,” she said.
Source: Euronews
