EL PASO, Texas – In a move aimed at protecting Texas families online, Attorney General Ken Paxton said the state will receive more than $1 billion as part of Meta’s $18 billion settlement with the federal government. The settlement resolves claims that the company designed addictive platforms that harmed young people’s mental health.
How the funds will be used
According to Paxton, the Texas portion of the settlement will be earmarked for three primary areas: youth mental‑health services, digital‑literacy initiatives, and school‑based programs. The money will help expand counseling resources, teach safe internet practices, and support educators in guiding students toward healthier online habits.
New safeguards for minors on Meta platforms
As part of the agreement, Meta will roll out several protective features for its platforms. Teen users will be limited to two hours of daily usage. Likes and reactions on posts will be hidden by default to reduce social comparison. Notifications for children will be turned off during school hours unless a parent opts in, and a “nighttime access mode” will restrict notifications and other features during designated evening hours.
State leadership and next steps
Paxton emphasized that the settlement represents a “major step forward in the fight to ensure our kids are protected online.” He also noted that the attorney general is preparing for a separate trial against TikTok later this fall, continuing the administration’s broader effort to safeguard children from harmful digital content.
What this means for Texas families
Parents can expect more resources to address mental‑health concerns linked to social‑media use, while schools will receive tools to teach digital responsibility. The new platform limits give families greater control over screen time, aligning with parental‑rights values and reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting children’s well‑being.
Community leaders and faith‑based organizations have welcomed the settlement, seeing it as a concrete step toward preserving family values in the digital age. The funding and safeguards are set to roll out over the coming months, with the attorney general’s office monitoring compliance and effectiveness.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
