Labour's social media ban a 'dog's dinner' - as curfews only kick in at midnight and can be switched off by kids

Published: 22:30, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 22:33, 14 July 2026 Labour's social media ban has been branded a 'dog's dinner' after ministers were warned kids could easily bypass its measures. The Government announced on Tuesday that a curfew will automatically stop youngsters from using social media between midnight and six in the morning – although kids will be able to switch it off. And addictive features such as autoplay videos, recommender feeds and infinite scroll will be switched off for 16- to 17-year-olds – despite Labour viewing them as mature enough to be given the vote. Ministers are also planning on introducing 'regular breaks' for under 18s using AI chatbots, and restrictions on chatbots offering mental health advice. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the measures would 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'. But critics on Tuesday warned the plans 'won't achieve anything' and accused the Government of 'tinkering' round the edges of protecting kids online. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: 'This is another dog's dinner from Labour. Either they think 16- and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don't, but curfews they can simply switch off won't achieve anything. 'Giving 16-year-olds the vote while putting them under a social media curfew makes no sense. The Government announced on Tuesday that a curfew will automatically stop youngsters from using social media between midnight and six in the morning – although kids will be able to switch it off Keir Starmer in June finally announced that a social media ban for young people would come into force next spring after months of pressure from campaigners Shadow education secretary Laura Trott called the ban 'another dog's dinner from Labour' 'They're also rolling out AI tutors in schools for the most disadvantaged while announcing more lessons on dealing with dangers of AI chatbots. They should stop tinkering and get on with getting u16s off social media.' And Arabella Skinner, director of campaign group health professionals for safer screens, said it is 'disappointing that these measures are only defaults and can be easily overridden'. Keir Starmer in June finally announced that a social media ban for young people would come into force next spring after months of pressure from campaigners. And ministers said the measures just announced look to 'protect the next generation' by ensuring that when kids turn 16 they 'don't face a cliff edge of being exposed to the most addictive features online'. The plans follow a Government pilot testing the effects of curfews on more than 300 teenagers and parents. Labour plans to present its social media restriction regulations before Parliament by the end of this year.