The UK government has unveiled new regulations aimed at curbing social media use among 16 and 17-year-olds, following the recent announcement of a total ban for children under 16. Under these proposed measures, platforms like Facebook and Instagram would be required to implement an overnight curfew, restricting access between midnight and 6 a.m. Additionally, the government plans to enforce default settings that disable addictive interface elements, such as infinite scrolling, to help teenagers prioritize sleep and focus on their academic and personal lives.

While officials like Technology Minister Liz Kendall argue these protections are vital for youth wellbeing, the plan has faced skepticism regarding its practical application. Critics have raised concerns about how these restrictions will be enforced, particularly since users retain the ability to toggle off certain settings. Furthermore, while some charities praise the initiative as a necessary step in shielding youth from harmful digital habits, others fear it could inadvertently push teenagers toward less secure corners of the internet. These developments coincide with a growing global movement, as countries like Australia, Canada, and the UAE explore similar legislative frameworks to mitigate the impact of social media on younger generations.