Endless scrolling has become a daily habit for millions of young users, often keeping them glued to their screens for hours without stopping.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on major social media platforms to curb endless scrolling features, warning that addictive algorithms are harming young users. He said during his Monday speech that Instagram and TikTok should take measures that reduce children’s excessive screen time.
The UK government is currently consulting on stricter rules, including a possible ban on social media use for people under the age of 16. Starmer said, “We are consulting on whether there should be restrictions for people under 16,” adding that “addictive scrolling mechanisms are really problematic in my mind. They need to go.”
Officials are testing curfews with app time limits and other restrictions to study their effects on sleep patterns and academic performance and family dynamics.
Starmer issued a warning that many platforms operate with built-in features that use algorithms to produce content that keeps users engaged for extended periods. He pointed out that parents now demand government action to create rules governing these platform features.
The consultation has already received over 45,000 responses, which will continue until the May 26 deadline. Officials are seeking input from parents, teens and families about online habits and possible restrictions.
Many countries have started implementing their own measures. Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16, while Greece and Indonesia instituted comparable restrictions.
According to Liz Kendall, the government wants to get direct feedback from families and young users about their personal experiences. He said user feedback regarding AI chatbots and addictive features will determine upcoming policy decisions.
