Midnight Social Media Curfew Proposed for Older Teenagers Under Online Safety Reforms

The Government has proposed a "midnight curfew" on social media platforms for 16 and 17-year-olds as part of forthcoming Online Safety Act guidance. The restrictions would require technology companies to block notifications and limit access between midnight and morning, aiming to protect teenagers' sleep quality and reduce exposure to harmful content during overnight hours. Campaigners have raised serious concerns about the proposals, noting that allowing teenagers to opt out of restrictions renders the safeguards largely ineffective. Critics describe the approach as piecemeal, arguing that robust statutory protections are needed rather than voluntary measures that rely on young people's self-regulation at a time when many lack the maturity to manage digital boundaries independently. The proposals place new responsibilities on platforms whilst creating implementation challenges for local safeguarding partnerships. Council leaders and cabinet members for children's services will need to monitor how these digital curfews interact with existing early help and mental health support, ensuring that families understand both the protections available and the limitations of opt-out clauses in keeping older teens safe online.