Default curfews from midnight to 6am will be switched on for 16 and 17-year-olds on social media apps.

Addictive scrolling features will also be switched off by default, this includes videos that play automatically and feeds that continuously play personalised content.

Social media will be banned for under-16s from Spring next year and these messages are intended to be a bridge for older teens.
 

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike - even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing.

"These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.

"We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive."

Kendall is also planning to bring forward a range of other measures to help children use AI safely. These include regular breaks for under-18s using chatbots and working with regulators and across government to address services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice.