 Minnesota’s Social Media Settlement: What Happened and How You Can Take Action
A historic settlement could bring $214–$307 million to Minnesota. Now, families and communities have an opportunity to help shape what happens next.
Minnesota and other states have reached a nationwide settlement with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook. The proposed settlement includes new requirements intended to strengthen protections for young people on social media.
What could change for young people online?
The settlement includes safety requirements focused on areas such as:
• Limiting daily use with a combined two-hour cap across Instagram and Facebook, including pauses to interrupt continuous scrolling
• Protecting sleep and school time by blocking access from midnight to 6 a.m. and limiting weekday push notifications from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year
• Strengthening age verification and protections for teen accounts
• Reducing harmful content related to bullying, eating disorders, suicide, and self-harm
• Giving families more control through stronger parental controls and options to adjust algorithmic feeds
• Reducing social pressure by limiting features such as beauty filters and visible like counts for young users
Settlement terms are subject to court approval.
What happens next?
The settlement addresses what happens online, but Minnesota will also have an important decision to make about how its settlement funds are used.
Minnesota could receive an estimated $214–$307 million through the settlement. Families, young people, and community organizations are advocating for a transparent process that includes youth and parent voices and directs funding toward the supports young people need to thrive in real life.
This includes investments in: Mental health • Afterschool programs • Trusted adults and mentors • Arts and sports • Youth employment • Safe and welcoming community spaces
Ignite Afterschool, BBAY, and other partners are working to connect with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and share the Fund IRL framework, which calls for settlement resources to support young people’s wellbeing, connection, opportunity, and belonging beyond the screen.
What can you do?
1. Talk with a young person.
Ask what helps them feel safe, connected, and supported both online and offline.
2. Share your voice.
Ask state leaders and the Attorney General’s Office for a public process that centers youth, parents, and providers in decisions about the settlement funds.
3. Sign the youth and parent petition.
Add your voice to the growing call for Minnesota to invest settlement funds in supports and opportunities that help young people thrive in real life.
Youth and Caregiver Petition: Complete the Survey today!
Not sure what to say? You can start with: “Please ensure Minnesota’s social media settlement funds directly benefit young people. Create a transparent process that centers youth and parent voices, and invest in mental health, trusted adults, afterschool opportunities, safe spaces, and pathways to thrive in real life.”
Safer online. Stronger in real life. Our young people deserve both.
Learn more about Fund IRL in Minnesota: igniteafterschool.org/fund-irl-mn
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