Overnight social media curfews for teenagers to become law from 2027
Social media platforms will be required to switch off access for 16 and 17 year olds overnight by default under new UK government regulations.
The curfew, running from midnight to 6am, was confirmed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 15 July 2026.
Features designed to keep users scrolling for longer, including videos that play automatically one after another and feeds that continually serve up personalised content, will also be switched off by default for this age group.
Teenagers will be able to change the settings themselves if they choose to.
The measures follow the government’s ban on social media for under-16s, which takes effect from spring next year.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the changes were designed to prevent a cliff edge in protections once young people turn 16.
She said: “Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing.”
The government said the plans followed a pilot involving more than 300 teenagers and parents across the UK, with families reporting that overnight curfews became part of their routine and helped improve sleep and concentration.
Regulations covering the social media changes will be laid before Parliament by the end of this year, with the rules expected to come into force in spring 2027.
The Technology Secretary also said she intends to bring forward separate measures on AI chatbots used by children.
These include regular breaks for under-18s using chatbots, and government work with regulators to address services that give unverified mental health advice, with a ban on chatbots that pose a serious risk to children among the options being considered.
The government said it would also expand its Kids Online Safety Hub with new guidance for children, parents and guardians on using AI safely.
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