The UK government unveiled a voluntary social media curfew for teenagers aged 16 and 17 that would block access between midnight and 6am by default, though users could opt out. Polling data revealed that the vast majority—over 84% of 16-18 year-olds—intend to turn off this protection, primarily to maintain contact with friends and family or to watch online content.

Debate has emerged over the policy's effectiveness. Experts and opposition lawmakers argue that time-based restrictions are insufficient without addressing platform design features that drive addiction, instead advocating for design-level protections and age verification systems. The government has defended the approach as respecting teenage autonomy while providing default safeguards, citing trials showing improvements in sleep and concentration, but critics contend it treats symptoms rather than underlying causes.