Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to block teenagers from using its apps at night and to introduce a default two-hour daily limit on their combined use across the company’s platforms.
The measures were announced on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, as part of a settlement with US states worth up to 16.7 billion dollars.
Also read: US court fines Meta $567m over Facebook, Instagram child safety
The agreement resolves claims that Meta deliberately designed its platforms to encourage addiction among young users, misled the public about the associated risks, and collected data from children under the age of 13.
Under the new rules, teens will face a default night-time restriction that prevents access to feeds and core features during overnight hours.
A cumulative two-hour daily time limit will also apply across Facebook and Instagram. Parents will need to approve any increase beyond that limit.
The settlement requires Meta to implement these and other safety features, including prompts to interrupt continuous scrolling and muted notifications during school hours.
The changes are intended to reduce excessive use and give families greater control.
Meta has called on other major platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to adopt similar protections.
The financial terms of the deal will support state-led initiatives on youth online safety, among other priorities.
The agreement marks one of the largest settlements of its kind involving a technology company and child protection concerns.
Also read: US court fines Meta $567m over Facebook, Instagram child safety
Further details on the exact implementation timeline and geographic scope are expected as the settlement receives judicial approval.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
