Children could face mandatory night-time social media curfews under plans being explored by Labour, alongside possible age bans and tighter controls on online platforms. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will launch a consultation examining measures such as switching off addictive features like autoplay and infinite scrolling overnight, strengthening age verification, and restricting access to AI chatbots and gaming services. The proposals follow a House of Lords amendment to the Children’s Bill calling for an Australian-style ban on under-16s using social media, which ministers are expected to challenge in the Commons. The government also plans pilot schemes with families to test restrictions in practice. Separately, peers are proposing requirements for new devices to include tamper-proof software blocking child sexual abuse material.
