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UK to trial six-week social media curbs for hundreds of teenagers
A government pilot will disable or limit social apps for about 300 UK teenagers while a separate 4,000-pupil scientific trial studies the effects of reduced social media use on mental health and daily life.
Mar 25th 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- A government pilot will test app disablement, overnight blocks, one-hour caps and no restrictions on about 300 teenagers across all four UK nations for six weeks.
- Nearly 30,000 parents and children have responded to the government digital wellbeing consultation, which closes on 26 May.
- A Wellcome-funded independent trial of about 4,000 students aged 12 to 15 led by the Bradford Institute and Prof Amy Orben will measure anxiety, sleep, wellbeing, body image, social time, school absence and bullying.
- MPs previously rejected a proposed under-16 social media ban and peers will vote on an amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.
- Bereaved parents, campaigners and the NSPCC have urged stronger action and said a ban may be preferable if tech firms fail to protect children.
- Ministers say the pilots will produce real-world evidence to inform next steps on regulation and age restrictions.