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A new Virginia law aimed at curbing minors’ social media use officially took effect on January 1, placing daily time limits on popular platforms unless parents opt out.
Under the law, social media companies must restrict users under 16 years old to one hour per day on apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat by default. Parents can grant consent for additional time, but platforms are responsible for enforcing the limits.
Social media analyst Marcy Thornhill said the legislation reflects growing concern over the impact of excessive screen time on young people, including rising rates of anxiety, depression, body image issues, and compulsive scrolling. She noted that similar efforts are gaining traction worldwide, pointing to Australia’s recent ban on social media accounts for users under 16.
The Virginia measure received bipartisan backing, with lawmakers framing it as a necessary safeguard for children. However, the law is already facing legal challenges.
Several major tech companies, including YouTube and Meta, have joined a lawsuit through the trade group NetChoice, arguing the statute unlawfully restricts protected online expression. The group has filed for an injunction in federal court to block enforcement.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares opposed the motion, asserting that social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and that adolescents are especially vulnerable.
Meanwhile, parents are weighing the law’s intentions against its practical impact. New parent Regan Alpaugh said while the idea of limits makes sense, questions remain about how enforcement will work in real life.
Experts say the law also raises a broader issue: what replaces screen time. Thornhill emphasized that families should think proactively about alternatives such as outdoor activities, homework, and offline hobbies as children spend less time online.
SOURCE: WHSV3