Hundreds of teenagers in the United Kingdom will take part in a new trial to test limits on social media use, as the government studies how it affects young people.
What is the trial about?
The trial will include 300 teenagers aged 13 to 17 and will run for six weeks.
It is part of a government consultation, which means collecting opinions and evidence before making decisions.
The study will look at how social media affects schoolwork, sleep, and family life.
The trial is being run by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
How will the trial work?
Teenagers will be divided into four groups, each trying a different rule.
Some parents will learn how to block certain social media apps. Another group will have a limit of one hour per day on apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
A third group will not be allowed to use social media between 9 pm and 7 am, while the last group will continue using social media as usual for comparison.
What happens next?
The results will help the government decide whether to introduce new rules, including a possible ban on social media for younger users.
The consultation will end on 26 May 2026, and it has already received nearly 30,000 responses from parents and children.
What are other countries doing?
Some countries, including Australia, already have rules limiting social media use for young people.
Others, such as France, Ireland, Spain, and Denmark, are also thinking about setting age limits.
This trial could shape future rules on how young people use social media, with the aim of keeping them safe and helping them build healthier habits online.
