Experts Warn Social Media Curfews for Kids Risk Isolation and Fractured Friendships, Prove Ineffective

Experts Warn UK’s Proposed Social Media Curfew for Kids Misses the Mark

The UK government’s plan to introduce a social media “curfew” for minors—limiting app use to two hours daily outside school and banning access after 10 PM—has drawn criticism from tech and mental health experts. Researchers argue there’s no evidence such measures improve online safety or well-being and warn they risk fueling isolation and social friction among teens.

The Controversial Proposal
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the need to curb “addictive” app designs and shield children from harmful content. Studies link excessive social media use to poor sleep, declining academic performance, and mental health struggles. While 50% of British youths surveyed by BSI supported curfews, experts caution that enforced limits may backfire.

Why Curfews May Fail
South Korea’s failed 2011 “shutdown law,” which blocked under-16s from gaming post-midnight, offers a cautionary tale. Research showed negligible sleep gains, as teens shifted screen time elsewhere. Bath Spa University’s Professor Peter Etchells noted, “Bans delay access but don’t fix harm.” Similarly, a Youth Select Committee report deemed social media restrictions “neither practical nor effective.”

Dr. Rachel Kent (King’s College London) acknowledged short-term benefits of screen breaks but stressed curfews overlook systemic issues: “Tech firms must be held accountable for harmful content.” Critics argue curfews don’t address platforms’ addictive algorithms or unsafe material, relying instead on “sticking plasters,” according to Molly Rose Foundation CEO Andrew Burrows.

The Human Cost
Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly died by suicide after viewing harmful content online, condemned superficial fixes. The Molly Rose Foundation urges stricter regulation of tech platforms rather than time limits. “A curfew won’t stop toxic content bombarding kids,” Burrows said.

Alternatives to Bans
Experts advocate digital literacy education and open dialogue. Professor Etchells emphasized teaching youths to navigate online risks and build resilience. Parental controls and screen-time guidelines (e.g., 1 hour/day for ages 2–5) are advised, but flexibility is key.

The Bigger Picture
The Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to remove harmful content, faces criticism for lax enforcement. Dr. Kent stressed, “Restrictions won’t help if TikTok and Instagram still push damaging material.”

While Kyle seeks bipartisan solutions, experts urge prioritizing tech accountability over restrictive curfews. As debates continue, the focus remains on balancing safety with teens’ digital autonomy.

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