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Digital safety experts say the UK's latest proposals could influence future online safety policies in other parts of the world as governments grapple with the rapid growth of social media and generative AI.
The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce new default social media restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds, including overnight curfews, limits on addictive platform features and mandatory breaks for users of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.
The proposals, announced on Tuesday, are part of the government’s wider efforts to improve online safety and protect teenagers from the harmful effects of excessive screen time and prolonged use of digital platforms.
If implemented, the restrictions will be switched on by default for users aged 16 and 17, although teenagers will still have the option to turn them off in their account settings.
Overnight social media curfew
Among the biggest changes is a proposed default social media curfew that would limit access to participating platforms between midnight and 6:00 am.
The government says the measure is intended to encourage healthier sleep habits and reduce late-night scrolling, which studies have linked to poor sleep quality, reduced concentration and declining mental wellbeing among young people.
Unlike a mandatory ban, teenagers who wish to continue using social media during those hours will be able to disable the setting.
Personalised feeds and autoplay to be limited
The proposals would also require platforms to disable several features designed to maximise engagement.
These include:
• Personalised “For You” recommendation feeds based on a user’s viewing history or interests.
• Infinite scrolling that continuously loads new content.
• Automatic video playback, commonly known as autoplay.
The government argues that these design features encourage users to spend more time online than intended by making it easier to consume content continuously without natural stopping points.
By making these features optional rather than automatic, ministers hope to promote healthier digital habits among teenagers.
AI chatbot users to receive mandatory breaks
The plans also extend to AI chatbot services, reflecting growing concern about the amount of time young people spend interacting with conversational AI.
Under the proposals, teenagers would receive regular mandatory break reminders during lengthy chatbot conversations.
Officials say the measure is designed to encourage users to step away from extended AI interactions and maintain a healthy balance between digital and offline life.
The announcement comes as AI chatbots become increasingly popular among young people for everything from homework assistance to emotional support and everyday advice.
Part of wider online safety reforms
The measures form part of the UK’s broader online safety agenda aimed at protecting children and teenagers from harmful online experiences.
Government officials say the proposals recognise that while 16- and 17-year-olds enjoy greater independence than younger children, they remain vulnerable to the effects of addictive digital design, sleep disruption and excessive screen time.
The government has indicated that the changes will be introduced through legislation and implemented in partnership with technology companies.
Could other countries follow?
The UK’s proposals add to a growing international debate over how governments should regulate social media platforms and AI services for younger users.
Australia has approved a minimum social media age of 16, while France requires parental consent for users under 15.
Spain has proposed raising the minimum age for social media accounts to 16, and Norway plans to increase the digital age of consent from 13 to 15.
Denmark and Greece have called for tougher European Union-wide rules, including stronger age verification and limits on addictive platform features.
Ireland has introduced an Online Safety Code requiring platforms to better protect minors, while New Zealand is considering legislation that would require social media companies to verify users’ ages.
Indonesia has adopted child online safety regulations requiring platforms to implement age-appropriate protections, stronger privacy safeguards and parental controls for young users.
In the United States, several states, including Florida, Utah, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, California, Ohio and Mississippi have passed or proposed laws requiring age verification, parental consent or restrictions on children’s access to social media, although some of these measures are facing legal challenges in court.
Digital safety experts say the UK’s latest proposals could influence future online safety policies in other parts of the world as governments grapple with the rapid growth of social media and generative AI.
Although Kenya has yet to announce social media restrictions similar to those proposed in the UK, the growing use of AI tools and social media among young people is likely to fuel broader discussions around age verification, digital wellbeing, online safety and the responsibilities of technology companies in protecting minors.
For now, the proposed restrictions are expected to apply only to users in the UK and would require participating technology companies to implement the default settings once the regulations come into force.
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