The British government on Tuesday unveiled new online safety measures that would introduce a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, expanding its efforts to strengthen protections for minors online.

Under the proposal, social media access for users aged 16 and 17 would be blocked by default between midnight and 6 a.m.

Features designed to keep users online for longer, including autoplay and infinite scrolling, would also be turned off by default, although users could change those settings.

A teenage boy looks at his smartphone screen in his bedroom in Somerset, the UK, July 1, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

The measures follow the government's announcement last month that it plans to ban children under 16 from using a range of social media platforms from early 2027.

Officials said the new proposal is intended to avoid a sudden drop in online protections once teenagers turn 16 while reducing the impact of late-night screen use.

The package would also regulate AI chatbots by requiring platforms to prompt users under 18 to take regular breaks.

Liz Kendall, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said that while teenagers gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from addictive online features that could harm their physical and mental well-being, helping them get enough sleep, stay focused on their studies and spend more quality time with family and friends.

A study released on Tuesday found that limiting social media use can improve sleep, concentration and overall well-being, with overnight restrictions proving one of the easiest measures for families to maintain and one of the most effective in delivering consistent sleep benefits.

The government plans to submit its first bill on social media restrictions to Parliament before the end of the year, with the new measures expected to take effect in the spring of 2027.

The proposals come as governments around the world tighten safeguards for young social media users.

Australia enacted legislation in December 2025 banning social media use by children under 16, while Canada and the United Arab Emirates have announced similar measures. Indonesia began enforcing a ban on social media use by users under 16 in March 2026.

Some child advocacy groups welcomed Britain's latest proposals, saying stronger protections for minors are long overdue, while others warned that tighter restrictions could push teenagers toward less safe online spaces.