Parents hail major Meta settlement as steps toward safer social media for youths

Meta reached about an $18 billion settlement with 48 states over alleged harm to children from Instagram/Facebook, a decision celebrated by parents who blame social media for their kids’ deaths but who say money can’t bring loved ones back. The deal includes new safeguards for minors: a two-hour daily limit on use, a default night-time shutdown, notifications silenced during school hours, enhanced parental controls, and teen prompts every 15 minutes of continuous use, plus a push for industry-wide changes including calls for rivals to follow suit. While many see it as accountability and a meaningful step, several families say more is needed and private lawsuits still loom as litigation continues against Meta and other platforms.