Teenagers aged 16 and 17 will now encounter restrictions on social media usage and addictive design elements as part of a new set of online safety regulations. Liz Kendall has announced that features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos will be disabled for this age group, along with implementing overnight curfews from midnight to 6am.
Furthermore, recommender feeds that provide personalized content will also be turned off by default, although teenagers can adjust these settings if desired. The government believes these measures strike a balance, offering greater protection online for older teenagers while still allowing them to manage their preferences.
The new regulations also address concerns about the sudden removal of social media access for young people when they turn 16. Keir Starmer and Liz Kendall introduced a ban on social media for under 16s, set to take effect in Spring 2027. Additionally, plans have been revealed for mandatory breaks for children under 18 when using chatbots.
To tackle the issue of harmful mental health advice, the government has committed to collaborating with regulators to address services that provide misleading or dangerous information. There is a consideration to potentially ban chatbots that pose significant risks to children. Guidance on safe AI usage for children, parents, and guardians will soon be available on the Kids Online Safety Hub.
In a pilot program involving over 300 teenagers and parents in the UK, families reported positive outcomes from the new measures, with overnight curfews leading to improved sleep and concentration. However, some campaigners criticized the approach as inadequate and called for a more comprehensive plan to safeguard young people.
Andy Burrows from the Molly Rose Foundation expressed concerns about the fragmented nature of the current measures and emphasized the need for a holistic strategy to ensure children’s safety online, across various platforms. Keir Starmer’s departure was noted as leaving behind unresolved issues regarding product safety risks in social media, gaming, and messaging apps.
Ms. Kendall emphasized the importance of protecting teenagers from harmful online features that can impact their well-being, stating that these measures will aid in promoting better sleep, academic focus, and quality time with loved ones. The goal is to enable young people to benefit from technology while equipping them with the tools to thrive in the digital realm.