SOCIAL media curfews will be imposed on 16 and 17-year-olds under a wider crackdown to be announced today.
Ministers insist it “strikes a balance” from the planned
Social media curfews will be imposed on 16 and 17-year-olds under a wider crackdown
‘These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college’, says Tech Sec Liz Kendall Credit: Alamy
But the move was branded “a dog’s dinner” by critics, as users will be able to disable the restrictions as they wish.
Other detractors highlighted plan to let 16-year-olds vote while trying to police their online activity.
Under the plans, all 16 and 17-year-olds will have disabled between midnight and 6am — unless they opt out.
Addictive doomscrolling features, where videos play continuously, will also be automatically switched off for older teens under the scheme.
It follows a Government study that found overnight curfews were effective to improve sleep and concentration.
Secretary said: “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.”
But Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: “This is 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.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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