Teenagers who are 16 and 17 will now be subject to new online safety regulations that automatically restrict their access to social media at night and prevent them from using addictive design elements. Liz Kendall has announced that features like infinite scrolling, which continuously loads a user’s feed, will be disabled for this age group. Additionally, there will be overnight curfews from midnight to 6am in place. Autoplay videos and personalized recommender feeds will also be turned off by default, with the option for young people to adjust these settings if desired. These measures aim to provide enhanced online protection for older teenagers while allowing them some control over their settings.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential risks faced by young individuals as they turn 16 and gain access to social media. Keir Starmer and Liz Kendall recently introduced a ban on social media for those under 16, which is set to take effect in Spring 2027. Ms. Kendall has also proposed mandatory breaks for children under 18 using chatbots.
In addition to these measures, the government has committed to collaborating with regulators to address platforms that offer harmful mental health advice. There is a consideration to ban chatbots that pose serious threats to children. New guidelines on safe AI usage for children, parents, and guardians will soon be released on the Kids Online Safety Hub. The UK is set to become the first country to prohibit chatbots from providing sexualized content to individuals under 18.
Over 300 teenagers and parents participated in a government pilot program to test these new regulations, with positive feedback indicating that overnight curfews have helped improve sleep quality and concentration. However, some campaigners criticize these measures as fragmented and insufficient in addressing the risks faced by young people.
Andy Burrows, the CEO of Molly Rose Foundation, expressed concerns about the piecemeal nature of these announcements and emphasized the need for a comprehensive safety plan for children. He highlighted the importance of addressing safety risks across various social media platforms, gaming, and messaging apps.
Ms. Kendall emphasized the importance of protecting teenagers from harmful online features, ensuring they can focus on their well-being, education, and relationships. These measures are intended to help young people prioritize sleep, academic performance, and quality time with loved ones. The goal is to empower young individuals to utilize technology responsibly and create a positive online environment for their development.