Response to social media curfews for 16- and 17-year olds

Commenting on the UK Government announcement of social media curfews for 16- and 17-year olds, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children First said:

"We welcome the intent behind these measures and look forward to understanding more about what they will entail and how they will be implemented. Ultimately, big tech must be forced to change their platforms so they are safe from the start. Rather than putting the responsibility on children to keep themselves safe, tech companies must be held accountable for exposing us all to addictive and harmful content.  

"Young people have raised particular worries about the need for greater regulation of AI and chatbots, which they feel presents a huge risk to their safety. Both the Scottish and UK Governments must respond to these concerns.

"Alongside greater accountability and regulation of tech companies, we need a wider public health approach to reset our digital culture and keep children safe on a par with smoking, seatbelts and smacking. Ensuring children and young people have access to safe, meaningful activities and spaces away from screens must be a central plank of this approach."