Default overnight curfews from midnight to 6am will be switched on for 16 and 17-year-olds on social media apps, as the UK government takes further action to restrict social media use by younger people.

Features that can keep users scrolling for longer – such as videos that automatically play one after another and feeds that continually serve up personalised content – will also be switched off by default for older teenagers. Teens will have the option to opt out of the new measures.

Following the government’s ban on social media services for under-16s from Spring next year, these measures – according to the Government – will help ensure there is no cliff edge in protections as young people move into their later teenage years.

The measures follow a government pilot involving more than 300 teenagers and parents across the UK, with families reporting that overnight curfews quickly became part of their routine and helped improve sleep and concentration.

“Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing,” technology secretary Liz Kendall said.

“These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.

“We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive.”

Alongside these new social media protections, the tech secretary intends to bring forward a package of measures to help children use AI chatbots safely.

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This will include regular breaks for under-18s using chatbots, as well as working with regulator across government to address services that provide dangerous, misleading, or unverfied mental health advice. Ministers will consider may options, including banning chatbots that pose a serious threat to children.

Alongside these protections, the Government will publish new guidance for children, parents and guardians on how to use AI safely and confidently by expanding the Kids Online Safety Hub.

Media literacy skills will also be bolstered in schools, through new RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) classes and an updated National Curriculum, which will teach children to navigate new types of technology including artificial intelligence and AI chatbots, identify mis- and disinformation as well as violent and misogynistic content.