LONDON-(MaraviPost)-The UK government is launching a groundbreaking trial to test social media bans, digital curfews, and time limits on apps for teenagers.
The six-week pilot scheme will involve 300 teens aged 13-17 and aims to gather evidence on the impact of social media restrictions on their wellbeing, family life, and schoolwork.
The trial will involve four groups: one with complete social media bans, one with a daily time limit of one hour, one with overnight curfews, and a control group with no restrictions.
Participants will be interviewed before and after the trial to assess the effects of limiting social media access.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the need for evidence-based decisions, stating, “These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves”.
The trial coincides with a public consultation on whether to ban social media for under-16s, similar to Australia’s approach.
The consultation has received nearly 30,000 responses and will continue until May 26.
Experts are divided on the effectiveness of social media bans, with some arguing they could push children to darker corners of the internet. Others believe tech companies should prioritize building safety into their platforms.
The UK’s trial is complemented by a major scientific study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, which will assess the impact of reduced social media use on 4,000 students aged 12-15.