Meta’s new child-safety rules should become the norm

The Washington Post
Glen Weiner
September 1, 2026

Regarding the Aug. 27 editorial “The Meta settlement won’t make the kids alright”:
The Editorial Board is correct to argue that the ultimate responsibility for kids’ online safety lies with parents. However, the potential impact of the agreement between states and Meta should not be minimized.

As a parent of two, I know how important it is to take a hands-on role in children’s use of technology and social media. We have had family conversations about everything from when our children can get a phone to how they should be using apps.

But I often find myself needing more tools, and in my work on youth mental health, I have heard the same from parents across the country. Meta’s agreement gives parents important new tools: expanded controls over content, options to disable features such as autoplay, time limits and strengthened parental supervision tools. Coupled with changes such as blocking teens from seeing likes and reactions or using extreme makeup filters, these tools will make a major difference.

Read more.