Hundreds of teenagers to test social media ban under new government pilot
300 families will trial digital curfews and time limits
The UK Government is launching pilot schemes involving hundreds of British families to evaluate the impact of social media restrictions on children's wellbeing.
300 teenagers will participate in trials testing digital curfews, app time limits, and social media bans at home.
The pilots will assess how these measures affect sleep, family interaction, and schoolwork.
Both children and parents involved will undergo interviews to discuss the impact of these limitations, including practical challenges and workarounds used by teenagers.
The initiative coincides with an ongoing digital wellbeing consultation, closing on 26th May, which has already received nearly 30,000 responses.
Data from the trials and consultation will provide government officials and experts with insights to inform policies that support children's digital health.
“We are determined to give young people the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future," said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“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.”
"This government is on the side of parents and young people," said Online Safety minister Kanishka Narayan.
"We are going to everything in our power to make sure our young people have the most fulfilling childhood."