Virginia fights to reinstate strict limits on teens' social media use
Virginia is appealing a judge's decision to block its law restricting minors' social security use. The state wanted to limit under-16s to one hour per day on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. A federal judge paused enforcement, citing free speech concerns.
Meanwhile, Meta has rolled out new safety tools for teens, including time limits and parental alerts for harmful searches.
On February 27, 2026, Indiana became the 17th US state to pass laws targeting minors' social security use. The rules require age verification for under-16s, parental consent, and bans on addictive algorithms and targeted ads. Similar laws in Florida, New York, and Connecticut have faced legal challenges, with courts temporarily blocking enforcement in multiple states.
Virginia's own law, which aimed to cap daily social security use for minors at one hour, was halted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles. She recognised potential risks of excessive social security but ruled that free speech protections took precedence. The injunction followed a lawsuit from NetChoice, a tech industry group, which argued the law unconstitutionally restricted online expression.
NetChoice welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory against overreach. Virginia's Attorney General Jay Jones, however, announced plans to appeal within 30 days. The state's legal team may file a brief by the end of the month, keeping the dispute alive.
In parallel, Meta has introduced new safeguards for teen users. Instagram now offers Teen Accounts with 60-minute reminders and sleep mode features. Parents also receive alerts if their child repeatedly searches for content related to self-harm or suicide. These measures come as platforms face growing pressure to address youth safety concerns.
Virginia's appeal will determine whether its strict social security limits for minors can proceed. The outcome may influence similar laws across the US, many of which remain stalled in courts. For now, tech companies continue to implement their own protections, with Meta's latest updates targeting time management and mental health risks for young users.
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