The UK government is set to trial restrictions on social media use among teenagers, including app bans, digital curfews and daily time limits, as part of efforts to assess their impact on young people.
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The initiative, led by Liz Kendall, will involve 300 teenagers across the country. Participants will be divided into four groups, each experiencing different levels of restriction.
Pilot to Test Different Restrictions
One group will have access to popular social media platforms completely blocked, effectively simulating a full ban. Two other groups will face partial limits, either restricting usage to one hour per day or preventing access overnight between 21:00 and 07:00. A fourth group will act as a control and continue using apps without changes.
Officials say the aim is to gather real-world evidence on how such measures affect young people’s lives, including their sleep, schoolwork and family relationships.
Policy Debate Over Possible Ban
The pilot runs alongside a government consultation examining whether to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for under-16s, similar to measures adopted in Australia.
The consultation, which remains open until late May, has already attracted tens of thousands of responses. Ministers say the findings from both the pilot and consultation will inform future policy decisions.
While the idea has gained political backing and support from some campaign groups, critics have warned that restrictions may be difficult to enforce and could drive teenagers to less regulated online spaces.
Calls for Broader Safety Measures
Child protection organisations have urged the government to ensure that technology companies take greater responsibility for online safety.
NSPCC said it supported efforts to improve protections but stressed that platforms must be designed to prevent harmful content reaching young users.
The Molly Rose Foundation also backed the trial approach, arguing that evidence-based policymaking is essential before introducing sweeping restrictions.
Larger Study to Follow
The pilot will be complemented by a separate large-scale research project examining the effects of reduced social media use. Funded by Wellcome Trust, the study will involve around 4,000 students aged 12 to 15.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Bradford Institute for Health Research will lead the project, focusing on outcomes such as mental wellbeing, sleep patterns and school attendance.
Psychologist Amy Orben said the study aims to address a lack of reliable data on how social media affects young people and what impact restrictions might have.
Assessing Real-World Impact
Teenagers and their parents involved in the pilot will be interviewed before and after the trial to evaluate both benefits and challenges, including whether users find ways to bypass restrictions.
The government says the combined findings will help determine whether stronger regulation or outright bans are necessary to protect children online.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 March 2026