The UK government is actively considering implementing time restrictions on children’s use of social media apps to address growing concerns about their mental health and well-being, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced. Proposals under review include a potential two-hour daily cap per social media app and a 10 p.m. curfew to limit late-night usage, as part of a broader push to strengthen online safety regulations.
The initiative is driven by mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health issues in young people. A 2019 systematic review found that time spent on social media, along with activities like passive browsing, correlates with increased depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among adolescents, with 10–20% of children and adolescents worldwide experiencing mental health problems. A longitudinal study from 2009–2019 involving 3,228 UK adolescents aged 10–15 showed mixed results, noting that while self-esteem and social connectedness may mediate the impact of social media, no direct causal link to mental health issues was conclusively established. However, passive use, such as scrolling without interaction, was associated with higher risks of anxiety and depression compared to active engagement like messaging.
Further data highlights additional risks. A 2022 scoping review identified depression as the most frequently reported issue (27.9% of studies), followed by anxiety, addiction, and sleep problems among children and adolescents using social media. Notably, 65.6% of 700 adolescents aged 14–18 in one study were classified as internet-addicted, with higher rates of depression, social anxiety, and even substance use linked to excessive use. Passive social media engagement was particularly tied to social comparison and envy, exacerbating mental health challenges.
Kyle emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “We’re committed to ensuring children can safely navigate the digital world while fostering healthy relationships with technology.” The proposed measures could involve app-based time limits or enhanced parental controls, though enforcement remains a challenge. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some supporting the move as a step toward protecting youth, while others question its practicality and label it as potential “political theatre.”
The government plans to consult with tech companies, mental health experts, and parents to refine the proposals. No timeline for implementation has been confirmed, but the initiative aligns with global efforts to regulate social media’s impact on youth, with similar discussions underway in countries like Australia and the EU.
