The UK government is considering new online safety measures, including a two-hour daily cap on social media app usage and a 10 PM curfew for children. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed he is examining the addictive nature of apps. Online safety campaigner Ian Russell criticized the government for delays, citing the loss of his daughter Molly due to harmful content.
Social media time limits for children considered by government
Online Safety BillUK governmentAppsPeter Kyle
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The UK government is considering new online safety measures, including a two-hour daily cap on social media app usage and a 10 PM curfew for children. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed he is examining the addictive nature of apps. Online safety campaigner Ian Russell criticized the government for delays, citing the loss of his daughter Molly due to harmful content.
Trending- 1 January 2025: Peter Kyle stated internet safety laws were 'uneven'
- 2 2023: Previous Conservative government passed Online Safety Act
- 3 Currently: Government considering new proposals (2-hour cap, 10 PM curfew)
- 4 July 2025: Age-appropriate material must be supplied by platforms
- Potential introduction of social media time limits and curfews for children
- Criminal sanctions against platforms not supplying age-appropriate material by July
- Continued debate and pressure for stronger online safety laws
- Criticism of government delays by campaigners
What: UK government considering tougher online safety measures for children, specifically social media time limits (2-hour cap, 10 PM curfew).
When: Currently being considered; proposals first reported by Sunday People and Mirror; Peter Kyle appeared on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme; legislation passed in 2023; age-appropriate material must be supplied by platforms by July (2025); Kyle told BBC in January (2025) that laws were 'uneven'.
Where: United Kingdom (government, Whitehall); BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
Why: To protect children from the addictive nature of social media and harmful content; concerns over young lives lost and damaged due to weak regulation.
How: Considering proposals for time limits and curfews; Technology Secretary examining the issue; campaigners pushing for stronger legislation.