Social media can help young children connect and access and learn about new, exciting parts of the world. Unfortunately, the benefits of social media are being quickly outweighed by the risks. Our children’s health is being put at risk. 

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After decades of social media expanding in our lives, we now have the research that shows that social media makes children feel more isolated, depressed, and anxious. 

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• Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media are twice as likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Sleep and Mood Disruption: Late-night scrolling is linked to poor sleep quality, a major risk factor for mood disorders.

• Heavy users are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts.

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North Carolina has stepped up to make this right. Governor Josh Stein and the NC Attorney General’s office joined states across the nation in a lawsuit against Meta for intentionally designing platforms to hook teens and fueling a youth mental health crisis.

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On Wednesday, August 26, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that North Carolina will receive up to $645 million in the landmark child safety settlement with Meta, recommending that our General Assembly invest these funds directly into the well-being of North Carolina’s youth. 

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Additionally, more than a dozen North Carolina school districts, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Wake, Robeson, Union, and Johnston counties, have filed lawsuits against social media giants to recover the massive drain on school mental health resources. North Carolina is seeking to hold platforms accountable.

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The conversation can and should include restricting youth access to social media and reducing screen time – but it should not only be about that. It should also be about increasing positive experiences. When we place limits on youth consumption of social media, what are we offering them as an alternative that supports genuine connection and positive mental health?