Teenagers’ social media usage will be limited to no more than a few hours browsing under new proposals outlined by ministers, it has emerged.

Matt Hancock, the secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, said there was a “genuine concern” about how long young people were spending online.

He suggested the Government would be looking to tackle worries over the negative impact this might have on children's health, amid widespread concerns that spending hours on end on social media can affect their psychological well-being.