Keir Starmer to bring in midnight social media curfew for teens

Last month, Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a social media ban for under-16s that’s set to come into play from next spring.

And with just days left of his time as prime minister, it’s more announcements around this that will mark his final acts.

Starmer apparently believes the ban will be a cornerstone of his legacy, but with his imminent departure, the key details will be left for the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to figure out.

But wider restrictions on social media for children are continuing to come through, as a social media curfew will be brought in for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Part of the Government’s plan, it will see default settings prevent access for older teens between midnight and 6am. But there’s emphasis on one part here – ‘voluntary’.

It would see default settings introduced to enforce the voluntary curfew. (Getty Stock)

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced that 16 and 17-year-olds will face this overnight curfew as well as the shut-down of infinite scrolling and breaks in AI chatbot use as part of the Government’s wider restrictions on social media.

However, critics have of course questioned the effectiveness of these measures given that teens will literally be able to just switch off these default settings.

But Kendall says the plans will help ensure that under-18s accessing social media apps for the first time won’t suddenly be exposed to the most addictive features.

“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,” the Technology Secretary said in a statement.

“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.

“We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive.”

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the measures. (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

A Government pilot involved more than 300 teens and parents across the UK with families reporting that overnight curfews helped to improve sleep and concentration.

New guidance for kids, parents and guardians on safe AI use will also be published alongside media literacy teaching being strengthened in schools from September.

But there is wide criticism for these new measures.

Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott called it ‘another dog’s dinner from Labour’.

“Either they think 16 and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don’t, but curfews they can simply switch off won’t achieve anything,” she slammed.

“Giving 16-year-olds the vote while putting them under a social media curfew makes no sense.

“They’re also rolling out AI tutors in schools for the most disadvantaged while announcing more lessons on dealing with dangers of AI chatbots.

“They should stop tinkering and get on with getting under-16s off social media.”

The new social media ban for under-16s is expected to cover the likes of Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube but not messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal.