Britain sets midnight-to-6 a.m. social media curfew for teens
What's next: The first rules are due before Parliament by year-end, with enforcement planned for spring 2027.
Britain plans a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, blocking app access from midnight to 6 a.m. unless teens change the setting. The package would also switch off by default features that keep users online longer, including autoplay videos. The government is adding the measures to a broader plan to bar children under 16 from social media. Ministers said the goal is to ease the jump into full access at 16 and reduce harm from late-night scrolling. A study published July 14 found restrictions improved sleep, concentration and well-being, with overnight curfews delivering the most consistent sleep gains. The first regulations are due before Parliament by the end of 2026.