The UK government is encouraging 16- and 17-year-olds to follow a midnight social media curfew as part of a broader effort to protect young people from online harms. Starting next spring, a default block on certain apps from midnight to 6am will be switched on for older teenagers, though it can be overridden. This initiative aims to reduce poor sleep and addictive scrolling, extending the under-16 social media ban announced last month.
Understanding the Midnight Social Media Curfew
The curfew targets platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, urging teens to refrain from using them during late-night hours. The government has stopped short of restricting VPNs, as only 7-10% of children use them to bypass age checks. The Molly Rose Foundation criticized the plan as "piecemeal," calling for a comprehensive children's safety strategy.
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Key Features of the Curfew
Default settings will enable the midnight to 6am block, but teens can override it with a few clicks. Features like autoplay videos and personalized feeds will also be disabled by default for this age group. Technology secretary Liz Kendall emphasized avoiding a "cliff edge" where teens suddenly face addictive features at 16.
Comparison of Social Media Restrictions by Age Group
| Age Group | Restriction Type | Override Option |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | Full ban on certain platforms | No |
| 16-17 | Midnight curfew + disabled features | Yes |
| 18+ | No restrictions | N/A |
Key Takeaways for Parents and Teens
- The curfew is not mandatory and can be turned off by teens.
- Autoplay and personalized feeds will be off by default for 16-17 year olds.
- VPNs remain unrestricted to avoid free speech concerns.
- Critics say the plan lacks comprehensive safety measures.
FAQ
What apps are included in the midnight curfew?
The specific apps have not been named, but likely include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, similar to the under-16 ban.
Can teens override the curfew?
Yes, the curfew is a default setting that can be overridden by the teen in a couple of clicks.
When will the curfew start?
The measure is set to roll out from next spring.
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