UK policy links safer defaults with growing digital autonomy
The government response proposes under-16 restrictions alongside on-by-default protections for 16- and 17-year-olds, including overnight limits, muted notifications and restrictions on autoplay and personalised feeds.
What it could improve
On-by-default limits on overnight access, notifications, autoplay and personalised feeds could reduce pressure on young people while preserving more choice for 16- and 17-year-olds. This recognises digital wellbeing as a design responsibility and avoids ending every safeguard abruptly at one birthday.
What remains unresolved
The package’s effectiveness will depend on implementation, enforcement and how children respond in practice. Restrictions may be bypassed or shift use toward other services, while age verification can introduce privacy and inclusion risks. Removing personalisation may reduce some persuasive design but does not automatically create useful, enriching or developmentally appropriate experiences.
The Child-Friendly Internet perspective
The progressive-default model is compatible with child digital autonomy, but it should form part of a wider environment that supports learning, participation and wellbeing. Protection should evolve with children’s capabilities and continue across services and connection settings without creating a persistent identity trail.