by Richmond, Virginia — A new Virginia law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, will place firm limits on how much time children can spend on social media each day. Under the law, anyone under the age of 16 will be restricted to one hour of social media use per day, unless a parent or guardian chooses to extend that limit using parental controls.
State lawmakers say the measure is designed to curb excessive screen time and address growing concerns about youth mental health in the digital age.
What the new Virginia social media law requires
The law mandates that social media companies verify the age of account holders. Once a user is identified as being under 16, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok must automatically enforce a daily one-hour usage cap.
Key detail: Parents will still have the ability to override the limit by enabling parental controls if they believe additional screen time is appropriate for their child.
Supporters of the law argue that it strikes a balance between regulation and parental choice, giving families more structure without fully banning social media access.
Teen reactions highlight both benefits and risks
The law is already sparking conversation among teens and families. A 17-year-old Virginia teen named Herman said social media has played a major role in his life — both positively and negatively.
“I’ve been exposed to a lot on social media, and I’ve learned to restrict myself, and I think it’s very healthy,” he said.
Herman described social media as one of the most impactful developments of the modern era, while acknowledging that unchecked use can quickly become harmful.
Social media companies push back in court
The law is facing legal opposition from NetChoice, a lobbying group representing major social media and technology companies.
NetChoice filed a lawsuit in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, arguing that the law:
- Violates social media companies’ First Amendment rights
- Is too broad
- Fails to clearly link social media use to specific harms for children
The lawsuit could delay or alter enforcement depending on how the courts rule.
Mental health professionals say concerns are real
Mental health experts say the concerns driving the law are not theoretical. Dr. Aeva Doomes, a psychiatrist, says she regularly sees the effects of excessive social media use in her patients.
“Clinically, there’s a reason for this law,” Doomes said. “I don’t necessarily know that this law is going to be the solution, but I think it’s a starting point for a conversation.”
She emphasized that while screen limits alone won’t fix youth mental health challenges, reducing exposure can help open the door to healthier habits.
Surgeon General advisory adds context
The Virginia law follows growing national concern over youth mental health and social media. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning about the risks associated with heavy social media use among teens.
The advisory found that adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety, compared to those with lower usage.
While the report also acknowledged some benefits of online connection, it concluded that safeguards were needed to protect young users.
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How parents fit into the new rules
One notable aspect of the law is its focus on parental involvement. Parents will be able to:
- Approve additional daily screen time
- Adjust limits based on age or maturity
- Monitor usage more closely through platform controls
Lawmakers say this ensures the law supports families rather than replacing parental decision-making.
What happens next
With the law set to begin in 2026, social media companies now face the challenge of implementing reliable age verification systems while navigating ongoing legal challenges.
If the law survives court scrutiny, Virginia could become a model for other states considering similar limits on youth social media use.
As debates continue over free speech, mental health, and parental rights, one thing is clear: how much time kids spend online is no longer just a family issue — it’s becoming a legal one.
Do you support limits on social media screen time for kids, or should families decide without government involvement? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
