The recent agreement between U.S. states and Meta marks a significant milestone in addressing the youth mental health crisis, according to Glen Weiner, Executive Director of the Coalition to Empower our Future. The deal introduces new protections for teens and expanded tools for parents, which Weiner says are essential components of a comprehensive approach to youth wellbeing.
The safeguards include time limits on social media usage to prevent overexposure, prohibitions on message alerts during school hours and overnight to protect focus and sleep, and options to turn off autoplay and algorithmic recommendations. Additionally, likes will be automatically hidden on teens’ feeds, a measure aimed at reducing anxiety. These changes, Weiner argues, will make a real difference in broader efforts to protect kids online.
The importance of such measures is underscored by recent data from the Pew Research Center, which shows that 92% of teens use YouTube, 68% use TikTok, 63% use Instagram, and 31% use Facebook. Twenty-one percent report using TikTok almost constantly, and 17% say the same about YouTube. These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of social media in young people’s lives, making the need for industry-wide safeguards even more urgent.
While the agreement with Meta is a real and meaningful step forward, Weiner emphasizes that it is not enough. “The reforms reached between the states and Meta still require others to join; otherwise, kids will simply migrate to the apps with the fewest safeguards,” he warns. That is why the Coalition is calling on all other social media platforms where young people spend their time to adopt similar safeguards.
Public opinion appears to support such measures. According to the Coalition’s latest survey, more than eight-in-ten voters and nearly nine-in-ten parents agree that young people should be taught how to use emerging technologies safely and responsibly. The survey also found strong support for solutions like online safety lessons for students (84%), digital wellness guides for parents (85%), and media literacy training programs for teachers (87%).
Weiner acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to fully address the youth mental health challenge. This includes investing in mental healthcare, normalizing conversations about mental health, teaching digital literacy in the classroom, and increasing opportunities for after-school programs and third spaces where young people can build connections. However, he believes this week’s agreement opens the door to expanding the adoption of important safeguards across the social media industry.
“It is essential that we build on this momentum and continue our work toward a comprehensive approach to youth wellbeing,” Weiner concludes. “There is no higher priority than protecting kids and helping them thrive in the modern world.”
