UK to Introduce New Screen Time Limits to Protect Children’s Mental Health

  • 23/07/2025

London: The UK government is moving forward with plans to set national screen time restrictions for children, aiming to reduce compulsive social media use and safeguard young people’s mental wellbeing.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that the proposed measures could include limiting each app’s daily usage to two hours and blocking access during school hours or at night. A public consultation is planned for this autumn to gather feedback on how best to implement these restrictions.

The initiative is being developed with the support of technology companies and seeks to give parents more control over their children’s online habits. Many parents currently feel powerless to stop excessive screen time and are concerned about the negative impact on mental health.

Kyle said the UK aims to be the first country to offer clear, comprehensive screen time guidance for families, ensuring parents don’t feel alone in navigating the digital world their children inhabit.

This effort forms part of the wider Online Safety Act, which is designed to protect children from harmful content and unwanted contact from strangers. During a visit to Darlington, Kyle spoke with local students who shared stories about spending six to eight hours daily on social media, including during school and late at night.

The government also wants to address gaps in parental control tools and the lack of default safety settings on many apps. Age verification powered by AI is expected to help stop children from bypassing restrictions with fake birth dates.

Although some device-level controls exist, not all apps offer effective tools to limit screen time. The planned national guidance would fill this gap, providing consistent rules and recommendations for families.

Kyle emphasized the importance of balancing kids’ ability to learn and socialize online with strong protections, particularly for vulnerable children. Parents and tech firms will be consulted to develop practical, balanced solutions that work in the real world.

Related News

China Starts Building World’s Largest Hydroelectric Dam in T ...
  • 22/07/2025
Typhoon Wipha Soaks Southern China, Triggers Flood and Lands ...
  • 21/07/2025
South Korea Floods Kill 14, More Missing Amid Record Monsoon ...
  • 20/07/2025
Brazil’s Supreme Court Imposes Curfew and Ankle Monitor on B ...
  • 19/07/2025
Vietnam Swine Fever Outbreaks Threaten Food Supply
  • 18/07/2025
Sudan Vaccination Crisis Leaves Millions of Children Exposed ...
  • 17/07/2025
Teen Vaping Drops in Australia After Nationwide Disposable V ...
  • 16/07/2025
Meta to Pour Billions into Giant AI Data Centres Across the ...
  • 15/07/2025
Sectarian Clashes in Syria’s Sweida Leave Over 30 Dead, 100 ...
  • 14/07/2025
Kim Jong Un Pledges Unconditional Support for Russia’s War i ...
  • 13/07/2025
Trump Texas Flood Response Faces Criticism Amid Search for M ...
  • 12/07/2025
Justin Bieber stuns fans with surprise new album Swag
  • 11/07/2025