UK Proposes Midnight Curfew for 16-17s After 300-Teen Trial Backed Scrolling Limits
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 15
UK Proposes Midnight Curfew for 16-17s After 300-Teen Trial Backed Scrolling Limits
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 15
Summary
Spring 2027 is the target for UK rules that would default 16- and 17-year-olds into a midnight social media curfew and automatically switch off infinite scroll and autoplay, though teens could opt out.
More than 300 teens and parents took part in a month-long trial testing 15-minute daily caps, a 9 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew and app removals; the government said the curfew best improved sleep, concentration, mood and stress.
Participants also reported a social trade-off because social media remained central to friendships, helping make the overnight curfew the preferred compromise over stricter restrictions.
The proposal extends the UK's broader push on online safety after June plans for an under-16 social media ban covering TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X.