UK launches trial to curb teenagers' social media use in wellbeing push

The UK government is starting a six-week trial to test social media restrictions for teenagers. Around 300 young people aged 13 to 17 will take part in the study. Officials hope the pilot will reveal which limitations work best for reducing screen time and improving wellbeing. The programme will split participants into different groups. Some will face platform bans, while others will have curfews or daily usage caps. Parents will also receive instructions on how to enforce these rules on their children's phones.

The trial follows ongoing debates about social media use among young people. Last year, Australia introduced a ban for teenagers, which took full effect in December 2025. After three months, nearly five million accounts were deactivated, but many minors found ways around the rules. Some also reported feeling isolated, leading to calls for support from mental health organisations. In the UK, the House of Lords previously backed a ban for under-16s, though the Commons rejected the idea. Meanwhile, other countries are considering similar measures. The EU is discussing access rules—either from age 16 or 13 with parental consent—while Spain, France, and Germany have proposed bans for ages 14 to 16. Critics in Australia, however, have raised concerns over legal challenges and unintended consequences.

The UK pilot could offer new evidence for policymakers weighing restrictions on teenage social media use. Results may influence future laws in Britain and beyond. The study's findings will be closely watched as debates continue over balancing safety and access for young users.