The United Kingdom (UK) government is proposing to introduce a default overnight social media curfew for teenagers aged 16 and 17, a move designed to curb late-night scrolling.
Under the proposal, apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and YouTube will be set unavailable between midnight and 06:00.
The government wants the “addictive” features, such as auto-play and infinite scroll, to be set disabled, saying the measure will improve teenagers’ focus, ensure quality sleep and enhance family life.
It also said tech companies will be legally required to implement the curfew, with penalties for non-compliance.
UK Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan defended the government action, saying, “Britain is already to be the most robust place in the world when it comes to regulating tech companies.”
The Technology Secretary Liz Kendall also stated the measure would be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college and spend more quality time with family and friends, building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.
According to the government, the measures are aimed at helping children use AI chatbots safely. The new measures come after the June announcement that children under 16 would be banned from using the social media platforms.