A new Virginia law aimed at limiting how much time minors spend on social media officially took effect on January 1, marking a significant shift in how the state approaches youth screen time and online safety.
Under the new rules, social media companies are required to cap daily usage for users under the age of 18 at one hour per platform. The limit can be extended only if a parent or legal guardian provides consent. The law applies to popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others commonly used by teens.
Supporters of the legislation say it is designed to address growing concerns over the effects of prolonged social media use on young people. Lawmakers point to increasing reports of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and compulsive scrolling behaviors among minors as reasons for putting guardrails in place. The measure received bipartisan support in the General Assembly, with backers framing it as a child-protection effort rather than a ban on technology.
Virginia’s move follows similar actions elsewhere. In recent weeks, Australia began enforcing restrictions that prevent children under 16 from holding social media accounts at all, highlighting a broader global trend toward tighter regulation of online platforms when it comes to youth access.
Despite its passage, the law is already facing legal resistance. Several major tech companies, including YouTube and Meta, have joined together through the online business group NetChoice to challenge the statute in federal court. The lawsuit argues that the law infringes on constitutionally protected expression and places unfair regulatory burdens on social media companies.
State officials disagree, defending the measure as a necessary response to what they describe as a worsening youth mental health crisis. They argue that many platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for long periods of time, making it difficult for adolescents to step away without limits or supervision.
As the legal battle plays out, questions remain about how enforcement will work in practice. Social media platforms themselves are responsible for implementing and policing the time limits. Parents will have the option to approve additional daily usage, though the exact process for granting consent and how consistently it will be applied across platforms is still unclear.
Beyond enforcement, the law is prompting wider conversations among families about what comes after screens are reduced. Child development experts often emphasize that limiting screen time is most effective when paired with alternative activities, such as outdoor play, family interaction, reading, or focusing on schoolwork.
For now, the law remains in effect, placing Virginia among the growing number of governments testing how far regulation can go in shaping the digital lives of minors — and setting the stage for a closely watched court fight that could influence similar laws nationwide.
What Parents Should Know
- Who it affects: Children and teens under 18 using social media platforms
- Daily limit: One hour per platform, per day
- Parental role: Parents can approve additional time if they choose
- Enforcement: Platforms are responsible for tracking and applying limits
- Legal status: The law is active but currently being challenged in federal court
- What to consider: Reduced screen time may require planning for offline activities like homework, sports, or family time