The government has unveiled a new package of online safety measures for 16 and 17-year-olds, building on its plans to ban under-16s from social media from spring 2027.
The latest proposals would introduce default overnight curfews, switch off addictive social media features and strengthen safeguards around AI chatbots.
Under the proposals, social media platforms will switch on a default curfew between midnight and 6am for 16 and 17-year-olds. The measures will also require platforms to disable features such as autoplay videos and personalised recommendation feeds by default, although older teenagers will still be able to change these settings if they choose.
The proposed new rules follow the government’s announcement last month that it plans to ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms, while also restricting features such as livestreaming and contact from strangers on other online services.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the proposals follow a government pilot involving more than 300 teenagers and parents. According to the department, families reported that overnight curfews quickly became part of their routine and helped improve sleep and concentration.
Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the government wants young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive.
“Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing,” she added.
“These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.”
Alongside the social media changes, the government intends to introduce further protections for children using AI services. These include regular breaks for under-18s using AI chatbots and action against services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice.
The government also plans to expand its Kids Online Safety Hub with new guidance for children, parents, and guardians on using AI safely.
Schools will strengthen media literacy education from September through Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) lessons, covering AI, AI chatbots, misinformation, disinformation, and harmful online content.
From September 2028, the revised National Curriculum will embed media literacy across several subjects, alongside enhanced computing lessons covering AI, data science, and technological bias.
The government said it will lay the first regulations covering the new restrictions before Parliament by the end of the year. It expects both the under-16 social media ban and the new protections for 16 and 17-year-olds to come into force in spring 2027.
