Meta Introduces Usage Limits for Teens

Meta Platforms, Inc. has reached an agreement with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general on new restrictions for the use of Facebook and Instagram by those under 18. This regulation follows a lawsuit filed three years ago by several U.S. states, which claimed that the company's apps foster dangerous addiction among children and teenagers. The new guidelines stipulate that teenagers under 18 will not be allowed to spend more than two hours daily on Facebook and Instagram.

If TikTok and YouTube introduce similar restrictions, the allowed usage time will be reduced to one hour per day. These measures aim to help reduce screen time for teenagers and promote their well-being. In addition to the daily time limits, nighttime quiet hours will also be implemented. During these times, the apps will be automatically locked to prevent usage at night. Furthermore, there will be notification silences during school hours to minimize distractions.

Meta is also facing legal challenges, as the company is accused of violating several U.S. laws, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and California's competition law. As part of the settlement, Meta must pay a total of $18 billion in compensation, of which $12.7 billion will go to the states. In an open letter to the community and other app operators, Meta emphasized the importance of protecting teenagers. The company stated that the agreement is based on long-standing efforts to empower parents and support teenagers.

The new measures aim to ensure that teenagers benefit from a new industry standard. The technical implementation of the daily usage limits is not yet fully clarified. However, it is expected that parents will have the ability to monitor their children's usage and approve it if the set limits are exceeded. This could be done through special parent accounts that offer additional control options. The regulation initially applies only to the U.S. and is set for a minimum duration of ten years.

It is currently unclear whether similar restrictions will be introduced in other countries. However, Meta has emphasized that collaboration with competitors like TikTok and YouTube is crucial for the success of these measures. The agreement is seen as a significant step in regulating social media for teenagers. Experts warn, however, that the actual effectiveness of the measures depends on the implementation and the willingness of other platforms to adopt similar standards. The discussion about the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers remains a central topic. The new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2026.