The UK government has announced plans to introduce an overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, with apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube set to be unavailable by default between midnight and 06:00.The measure aims to improve sleep quality, focus, and family time by disabling addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scroll.

While the government claims these steps will help teenagers thrive online, critics argue the proposals are piecemeal and fail to address broader child safety concerns.

Opposition figures have called the plans inconsistent, with some warning that curfews could harm vulnerable teens who rely on social media for support.The government also intends to regulate AI chatbots for under-18s, with new measures expected by year-end.

However, experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such restrictions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to children's digital safety.