Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 24, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe UK government is piloting social media bans, overnight curfews and daily screen time limits in 300 homes to assess impacts on children’s sleep, schoolwork and family life, informing a broader consultation.
LONDON, March 24 (Reuters) - Hundreds of British families will test social media bans, curfews and app time limits to see how they impact children's sleep, family life and schoolwork, the government said.
Britain, like other governments, is considering restricting access to social media for children. Nothing is off the table, it has said, including following Australia in a complete ban for under-16s.
Experts have said there is no clear evidence that a ban would be effective, while a group of young people in London recently told Reuters they were opposed to restrictions.
The measures will be tested in the homes of 300 teenagers, the government said, and data from the pilots would inform a consultation launched earlier this month.
"We are determined to give young people the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future," Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said on Tuesday.
"This is why we are listening to parents, children and experts with our consultation, as well as testing different options in the real world.
"These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves."
(Reporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Louise Heavens)
The UK is piloting social media bans, curfews, and app time limits for children to assess their effects.
Three hundred British families will participate in the pilot by testing various restrictions at home.
The purpose is to study the impact of restricting social media on children's sleep, family life, and schoolwork.
Yes, data from these pilots will help inform a government consultation and shape potential future regulations.
Yes, the UK government is considering all options, including a total ban for under-16s, similar to Australia.
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