Meta Youth Limits
Proposed Meta Settlement Restricts Daily Social Media Use For Minors
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Meta will pay a multistate settlement that limits how much time kids and teens can spend on Facebook and Instagram each day. New York could receive up to $1.15 billion under the agreement announced by Attorney General Letitia James with attorneys general from across the country Democrat and Chronicle. The settlement stems from a 2023 lawsuit accusing Meta of designing features to hook young users while exposing them to harmful content.
Under the first phase, users under 18 will be capped at two hours of daily use across both platforms, though messaging features are exempt Utica Observer-Dispatch. If other major social media companies reach similar deals, Meta faces stricter rules in phase two: 60 minutes per platform daily, no access between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and disabled push notifications. The settlement money funds mental health services and education programs for young people.
How the Two-Phase Settlement Works
Phase one takes effect immediately with a two-hour daily cap on Facebook and Instagram use for minors The Times Herald. Messaging features stay unlimited so kids can still reach friends and family. Phase two kicks in only if other big social media platforms agree to similar settlements within a set timeframe.
Phase two is much stricter: one hour per platform daily, a nighttime blackout from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and no push notifications to trigger app opens Record Online. These harder limits aim to protect sleep schedules and reduce compulsive checking among teens.
What Happens to the $1.15 Billion
New York receives up to $1.15 billion to tackle the mental health crisis fueled by social media Democrat and Chronicle. The money funds addiction treatment, counseling services, and education programs that teach kids healthy digital habits. Schools and communities get resources to address anxiety, depression, and sleep problems linked to heavy platform use.
The settlement acknowledges Meta's role in the problem while providing concrete help to affected young people Utica Observer-Dispatch. Funds also support research on social media's long-term effects on youth mental health and development.
Why This Lawsuit Happened
Attorneys general accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive The Times Herald. The platforms used features like infinite scroll, notifications, and algorithmic feeds to maximize screen time, especially for young users who lack impulse control. Meta allegedly knowingly exposed minors to harmful content while profiting from their engagement.
The 2023 lawsuit brought by a coalition of state officials represented growing frustration with Big Tech's effects on youth Record Online. Parents and health experts have warned for years that social media worsens teen mental health. This settlement is one of the largest actions against Meta yet over youth protection.
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