Teenagers in the UK will participate in trials involving social media restrictions, such as bans, time limits on app usage, and overnight curfews. These pilot schemes are part of a three-month Government consultation on online safety.
Leading academics and government officials will assess the impact of various measures on teenagers’ sleep, mood, and mental health. About 300 teenagers from across the UK will be divided into four groups for the six-week trials, with assessments commencing next week.
One trial will allow parents to enforce targeted social media bans using parental controls, while another option includes imposing overnight curfews on social media access between 9pm and 7am. Additionally, a group of teens will be restricted to one hour per day on popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, while another group will retain their usual social media access.
Participants, including children and parents, will be interviewed before and after the trials to evaluate the impact of limiting social media on family life, sleep patterns, and academic performance. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust and led by the Bradford Institute for Health Research and University of Cambridge psychologist Professor Amy Orben, will also conduct a scientific study in Bradford to examine the effects of reducing social media use among adolescents.
The Labour Party has initiated a consultation to promote healthier online relationships among children. The Online Safety Act already prohibits illegal and harmful content, with Ofcom empowered to levy fines on social media platforms for violations. However, concerns persist over the strength of the law and the impunity of tech companies.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring a safe online environment for young people through consultations and real-world testing. Professor Orben highlighted the need for better understanding the impact of social media policies and selecting effective interventions for youth and families.
