UK bans night‑time social media for 16‑17‑year‑olds as EU pushes broader child‑online safeguards

The British government announced a night‑time ban on social‑media apps for users aged 16 to 17, prohibiting access to platforms such as Instagram and Facebook between midnight and 6 a.m. The measure, part of a wider plan to curb addictive digital features, will also introduce default settings that limit infinite scrolling and require AI‑chatbot break periods for those under 18. Parents can opt‑out of the restrictions, though critics question how the rule will be enforced. The ban is slated to begin in early 2027, following the UK’s earlier restriction on under‑16s.

At the European level, policymakers are intensifying efforts to protect children online. The EU campaign stresses platform accountability and stronger parental involvement rather than a uniform age threshold, citing the Digital Services Act, GDPR, and related regulations. While Estonia opposes a single EU‑wide minimum age, other members, including France, have introduced measures such as phone bans in schools. The discussion aligns with broader EU strategies on AI, advertising, and digital‑product safety, aiming to create a safer digital environment for minors across the bloc.