Open petition: Require social media to add timed pauses during extended short-video use.

Created by Jarred Adam-Woolley
Closes on 14 November 2026

Introduce timed pauses between each individual short-form video content.

- No delay for first 10 mins
- 2s delay after 10 mins
- 5s delay after 20 mins
- User confirmation after 30 mins

Applies only to short-form video feeds. Delays must be neutral, with no ads or added content.

Social media platforms are often designed for continuous, frictionless scrolling, which can encourage compulsive use and reduce attention span, potentially harming productivity, mental wellbeing, and public health. Introducing increasing pauses during extended use would prompt conscious choice without restricting access. Government action is needed to ensure proportionate safeguards against addictive design, similar to harm-reduction in other sectors.

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