- The UK government is launching a six-week pilot programme involving 300 teenagers aged 13 to 17 to test various social media restrictions.
- Spearheaded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the trial will assess the impact of complete bans, one-hour daily caps, and night-time curfews.
- Researchers will monitor how the restrictions affect participants' schoolwork, sleep patterns, and family life to inform future policy decisions on online safety.
- This initiative runs alongside an ongoing government consultation, set to conclude on 26 May, which is exploring a potential Australia-style social media ban for under-16s.
- A separate, larger study led by Professor Amy Orben will also investigate the effects of reduced social media time on the wellbeing of approximately 4,000 pupils in Bradford.
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