HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyQuizCoursesNewsReadWatchScienceAbout
CONTACT

Screen Sense

Digital guidance and Support
ContactAboutQuizCoachingArticlesTypesHome
Close
HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyDigital InsightsQuizCoursesAboutContact
Back to Articles
March 25, 2026
News

Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on UK teenagers

S

‍
ocial media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps are to be trialled in the homes of hundreds of UK teenagers.

The test, led by the UK government, will see 300 teens have their social apps disabled entirely, blocked overnight or capped to one hour's use - with some also seeing no such changes at all - in order to compare their experiences.

It will run alongside the government's consultation asking whether the UK should follow in Australia's footsteps by making it illegal for under-16s to have access to many social media sites.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said it was about "testing different options in the real world".

"These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves," she added.

Children and parents involved in the trial will be interviewed before and after the pilot scheme to assess its impact.

Meanwhile, the government's consultation about banning social media for children will continue to run until 26 May.

Read the full article on BBC.

You might Also Like

News

Calls for government to lift social media age limit to 16

A group of online safety advocates have banded together to call on the government to lift the social media age limit to 16 years old in New Zealand.

Read More
News

YouTube to be included in Australia's teen social media ban

YouTube will be included in Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16, after the government ditched a previous exemption for the platform.

Read More
News

How to get ahead of the game to treat problem gamers

Gaming addiction plays havoc with the lives of millions of gamers around the world – we need to expand treatment options in New Zealand, says Jennifer Jiyun Park.

Read More
We value your opinion

Feedback Survey

We greatly appreciate your feedback on this website and would like to know what information you found useful and what services you would like to see next. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know.

survey
About us

Screen Sense supports adults and young people (aged 16+) by providing resources that empower them to explore healthy digital habits and develop self-regulation safely, respectfully and with autonomy.

Navigation
HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyDigital InsightsQuizCoursesAbout
Contacts
Based in New Zealand
hello@screensense.net
+64 27 707 1467
message us
Send Message
Copyright Screen Sense 2026
Powered by Screen Sense