Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed a new law aimed at reducing social media use among minors. Starting January 1, 2026, children under 16 will be limited to just one hour of social media each day. This law, known as the Consumer Data Protection Act, received support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The law requires social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to implement age verification methods to ensure compliance. If parents want their children to use social media for more than the allotted hour, they must provide verifiable consent to increase or decrease that time.
Youngkin has expressed ongoing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health. He noted that kids currently spend an average of nearly five hours a day on these platforms. Research suggests that excessive social media use can double the risk of poor mental health among children.
In a previous executive order, Youngkin addressed what he called a youth mental health crisis linked to unrestricted cell phone use and addictive social media. He emphasized that while social media has its benefits, it also poses serious risks to children.
Interestingly, Youngkin initially advocated for stricter limits, proposing a one-hour daily cap for all minors under 18. However, the final version of the bill set the age limit at 16.
The issue of social media’s effects on youth isn’t limited to Virginia. In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a warning about the potential harms of social media use among minors. He stated that there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that social media is safe for children and that growing evidence points to its negative impact on young people’s mental health.
As the law takes effect in 2026, it reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and health officials about the mental well-being of young people in the digital age.