The UK government is proposing new measures to reduce online harms for 16- and 17-year-olds, including an overnight social media curfew from midnight to 6am. Multiple outlets report that, as an extension of the government’s approach for younger children, certain social media apps would be blocked by default during those hours. The plan is described as voluntary or opt-out, with teens able to change settings to avoid the restrictions rather than being required to comply.

Alongside the curfew, the government also proposes limiting “infinite scrolling” or similar mechanisms that can keep users engaged continuously. Some reports add that other features associated with compulsive use—such as auto-play—would be disabled or restricted during the curfew period.

Outlets also note that the policy would begin after consultation and is framed as a protective step to encourage reduced excessive use at night. The proposal is currently at the stage of announced plans and does not describe a fully mandated ban, given the opt-out/overridable nature of the measure.