Written by Alice Njoki
Just one month after announcing plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, the UK government has proposed a new midnight curfew for older teenagers to encourage healthier online habits.
The proposal, announced by UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle in July 2026, would require social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X to automatically stop sending notifications and block access for users aged 16 and 17 between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Unlike the planned under-16 ban, teenagers in this age group would still be able to switch the curfew off if they choose.
The government is also proposing changes to features that are designed to keep people online for longer. These include autoplay, where one video starts playing automatically after another, and endless scrolling, where users can continue viewing content without reaching an end. Platforms could also be required to remind young people to take regular breaks from AI chatbots and do more to reduce harmful content.
Peter Kyle said the government wants to help young people build healthier digital habits while recognising that many teenagers use the internet to study, communicate with friends and family, and access entertainment. Officials say reducing social media use during the night can improve sleep, concentration, learning and family relationships.
The latest proposal follows the government’s announcement on 15 June 2026, when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said children under the age of 16 would be banned from having social media accounts. Under those plans, technology companies would have to use stronger age checks to stop under-16s from creating or using accounts. The government also said platforms should limit features that expose children to harmful content, contact from strangers, cyberbullying and tools that encourage them to spend long hours online.
The new midnight curfew is expected to become part of the UK’s wider online safety reforms, which will be presented to Parliament later this year. If approved, social media companies will be responsible for introducing the new safety measures across their platforms, with the government saying the changes are intended to give young people a safer and healthier online experience.