Social Media Curfew in England: Does Banning Late-Night Access Really Protect Young People?

The UK Government is considering a striking new measure. From next year, 16- and 17-year-olds could automatically lose access to social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat between midnight and 6am. The proposed overnight curfew forms part of a wider strategy to better protect young people from the potential negative effects of social media. But does a restriction like this really work? More importantly, what does it tell us about how we, as a society, view young people's mental health?

At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we see every day how significant an impact social media can have on the lives of young people. Many stay online well into the night, endlessly scrolling through their feeds. They often feel they need to be constantly available, compare themselves with others, or miss out on the sleep, rest and recovery they need. Although social media addiction is not yet officially recognised as a clinical disorder, experts have been warning for years about the addictive nature of social media and its potential impact on mental wellbeing.

The UK's proposal is not unique. Governments around the world are looking for ways to better protect young people in a digital world where social media is available 24/7. Australia, France and several US states are exploring similar measures or have already introduced stricter rules around young people's use of social media. There is good reason for this.

What do we see in practice at Yes We Can Youth Clinics?

At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we treat young people with complex mental health conditions, substance misuse and behavioural challenges. Social media is rarely the root cause of these problems. However, we regularly see excessive or dysregulated social media use amplifying existing vulnerabilities.

Young people who already struggle with poor sleep, high levels of stress or low self-esteem often find it harder to set healthy boundaries around screen time. They stay online late into the night, feel they must always be available, or constantly compare themselves with carefully curated versions of other people's lives. This can create a vicious cycle: poor sleep reduces resilience, making it even more difficult to make healthy choices.

What we observe clinically is supported by scientific research. A recent study involving more than one million young people found that problematic social media use is associated with a greater risk of anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances and lower overall wellbeing. At the same time, researchers emphasise that social media can also have positive effects by fostering connection, support and a sense of belonging.

The issue, therefore, is not whether social media is inherently 'good' or 'bad', but how it is used. At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we believe this nuance is essential. Not every young person who spends a lot of time online is vulnerable. Equally, young people who are already vulnerable are often more susceptible to the negative effects of social media.

When does social media use become a problem?

Many parents struggle to know where to draw the line. How much screen time is healthy? When should you step in? And when should you allow more independence? There is no simple answer. However, several warning signs may indicate that social media use has become unbalanced: 

• Consistently getting too little sleep because of late-night screen use.
• Feeling the need to be online constantly or becoming anxious without a phone.
• Noticeable mood swings when social media isn't available.
• Losing interest in hobbies or social activities away from screens.
• Difficulty concentrating at school.
• Ongoing arguments at home about phone or social media use.

Experiencing one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. However, if several are present over a longer period and begin to affect daily life, it's important to start a conversation.

"Social media allowed me to present myself exactly how I wanted people to see me. I became addicted to the likes and the validation. I created a completely different version of myself online," says former fellow Julia, who received treatment at Yes We Can for, among other things, social media and screen addiction. "After treatment, I realised I wasn't alone and that many other people had experienced the same thing."

The real conversation doesn't start with a social media ban

Whether the UK's proposed overnight social media curfew will prove effective remains to be seen. While restricting late-night access may reduce overnight screen use, it won't automatically change young people's behaviour.

Developing healthy digital habits is a shared responsibility. Parents need to have open conversations and set clear boundaries. Schools should help young people build digital resilience. Technology companies must take responsibility for the way their platforms are designed. And healthcare professionals have an important role in supporting young people when that balance has been lost.

Parents, too, can make a real difference. Not by banning social media altogether, but by agreeing healthy boundaries with their child, showing genuine interest in their online world and leading by example. Boundaries should not be seen as punishment, but as a way of creating safety.

Technology is now an integral part of young people's lives. The question is no longer whether they are online, but how they use it. Mental wellbeing doesn't begin when an app switches off at midnight. It begins with enough sleep, meaningful human connection, healthy boundaries and supportive relationships.