Britain Imposes Nighttime Ban on Teenagers' Use of Social Media

The British government announced on Tuesday that it will impose a nighttime ban on social media use for teenagers aged 16 to 17, a move coming weeks after outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on these platforms for those under 16.

In its latest step to limit children and teenagers’ access to addictive apps, the government clarified that the ban will apply to platforms such as Instagram and Facebook between midnight and 6 a.m.

However, users will be able to disable these settings, prompting critics to question the measure’s effectiveness, while it remains unclear how the restrictions will be enforced in practice.

Last month, Britain became the latest country to ban social media use for individuals under 16 on platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, with the ban set to take effect at the start of 2027.

Technology Minister Liz Kendall said in a statement: “Even as young people gain greater independence upon turning 16, they should remain protected from the most addictive digital features that could negatively impact their well-being.”

She added: “These measures will be important in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on their studies, and spend more time with family and friends.”

The new measures also include monitoring the use of AI-powered chatbots, requiring users under 18 to take regular breaks while using them.

While some child welfare organizations welcomed the long-awaited reforms, others warned that they might push children toward unsafe online behaviors.

Australia was the first country in the world to impose a social media ban for those under 16 last December, while Canada and the UAE have announced similar measures. Indonesia began enforcing its ban on users under 16 in March.