Virginia limits kids' social media to 1 hour daily 🕑

Virginia lawmakers just passed a game-changing bill that could help kids stay healthier and happier by limiting social media use. Starting January 1, 2026, children under 16 will be restricted to just one hour per day on social media platforms.

Why This Matters for Families

House Speaker Don Scott explains the reasoning: "Study after study has shown that too much time on social media is hurting our kids." The new law aims to protect young people from potential mental health risks and help them maintain better attention spans.

Key Details of the New Law

•One-hour daily limit per social media platform

•Parents can adjust the time limit

•Applies to kids under 16 years old

What Parents Need to Know

Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg highlights the bill's core purpose: preventing kids from spending their entire day online, which can harm academic success and personal development. Some lawmakers believe this is just the first step. Del. Mark Earley noted that while the law is progress, more protection for kids is still needed.

How Parents Can Help

While this law is a great start, parents play the most critical role in guiding their children's technology use. Here are quick tips:

•Set clear screen time boundaries

•Talk openly about social media

•Model healthy technology habits

•Stay connected with your child's online experiences

Bullet Points

• Virginia lawmakers approved a bill setting a one-hour daily social media usage limit for youth under 16.

• Parents will have the power to adjust the limit per platform.

• The legislation, designed to combat mental health issues and declining attention spans, replaces a former version targeting minors under 18.

• Despite widespread support, some legislators believe more drastic action is needed. The bill is pending approval from Governor Glenn Youngkin.