Social-media services are expected to introduce default overnight curfews for 16- and 17-year-olds, switching access restrictions on from midnight to 6am and disabling some addictive features.
What is proposed?
The government plans regulations by the end of 2026, with measures expected to take effect in spring 2027. Proposals include default breaks, restrictions on engagement features and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots that offer mental-health advice.
Why defaults matter
Defaults influence behaviour because many users never change settings. Reducing overnight notifications and endless-scroll design may support sleep, concentration and wellbeing without imposing a complete ban.
The enforcement challenge
Platforms will need reliable age assurance without collecting more personal data than necessary. Young people may also circumvent restrictions through false ages, alternative accounts or smaller services.
Beyond technical controls
Updated RSHE lessons are expected to cover AI, misinformation and harmful online content. Education is essential because design restrictions cannot teach judgement, resilience or how to seek help.
Effective policy should be evaluated through independent evidence on sleep, harm and displacement—not just platform compliance statistics.
Source: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 15 July 2026.
