The British government recently announced that it will implement a social media "curfew" policy for teenagers aged 16 to 17 from the spring of 2027. At that time, relevant social media applications will restrict access to this age group from midnight to 6 am. The government said the measures were taken to "support parents and protect the next generation online".
In addition to restricting usage during the early morning hours, addictive features on social media platforms will also be disabled by default. These focused addictive features include automatic playback of short videos (such as Reels, TikTok) and dynamic information streams that continuously push personalized content. Previously in June this year, the British government had confirmed that children under 16 would be completely banned from using social media services starting next spring. The newly announced measure for 16- to 17-year-olds aims to ensure that there is no "cliff" disconnect in protection policies. This means that instead of a sudden transition from complete disabling to full, unrestricted access, children will first be given a restricted and healthier experience, followed by a gradual lifting of restrictions, which can help guide them into healthy social media usage habits. A government trial involving 300 participants has revealed that nighttime social media curfews can quickly become part of teenagers' daily routines and help improve their sleep quality and concentration.
In addition to social media control measures, the British government has also launched a package to ensure the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots by children. These regulations include requiring minors under the age of 18 to take regular breaks when using them, and the government will also join forces with regulators and cross-sector forces to jointly crack down on AI services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice. The government has stressed that certain chatbots may be banned outright if they pose a serious threat to children.
In addition, the government will publish new guidance on how to use AI safely through the Children's Online Safety Center and improve young people's media literacy through a new Relationships, Sexuality and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. The British National Curriculum Standards will also be updated simultaneously, aiming to educate children on how to correctly use new technologies, including AI, and develop their ability to identify false and misleading information as well as violent and misogynistic content.