VIRGINIA - A new Virginia law will soon place a one-hour daily limit on social media use for children under the age of 16, following recent legislation signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026, is aimed at curbing excessive screen time among young users and comes amid growing concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health. The legislation requires social media companies to take responsibility for identifying users under 16 and restricting their daily use to one hour. Parents would be given the option to approve more screen time if desired.
For some parents, like Robert Boarman, who lives in Virginia and has three children, the new law is a step in the right direction,
“I have a 17-year-old daughter and two kids under 16, and they do spend a ton of time on social media,” Boarman said. “I mean, we don’t know what the repercussions are yet because they’re really the first generation that’s had it.”
But the law is already drawing criticism over questions about how it will be enforced and whether it oversteps boundaries traditionally reserved for parents.
“Kids are gonna lie, and not tell their right age,” said Treadene Aeithly in Accomack County. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea, that’s the parents’ responsibility.”
Others, particularly younger adults, argue the law may interfere with how they connect and communicate in today’s world.
“You can get around to other people, talk to friends, plan hangouts and stuff, but if you only got an hour on the phone you can’t really do as much,” said Austin Adney.