The state of Michigan stands to receive at least $171 million from Meta Platforms, Inc. over the next decade as part of a multistate legal settlement related to online social media harm to young people. The agreement, announced August 26, also requires Meta to adopt real safeguards — daily time limits for users under 18, overnight access blocks, and no push notifications during the school day.
The settlement explicitly names afterschool and summer programming among the eligible uses of these funds, and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership is calling on state leaders to rely on these programs as an immediate delivery mechanism for ensuring the funds reach the state’s youth quickly.
"This settlement is a once-in-a-generation chance to address the adverse impact social media has caused for many of Michigan's young people," said Stephanie Van Koevering, director of public affairs for the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. "If these dollars are meant to repair harm, they should go to the things that help young people heal and connect, like afterschool and summer programs, sports, arts, the outdoors, mentoring, and mental health support. And young people, families, and providers deserve a seat at the table when those decisions get made.”
The settlement dollars are expected to reach Michigan in the next 30 days or so. Legislative action will be required to allocate these funds.
“This settlement is a starting point, not an endpoint,” Van Koevering said. “Other social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok are also causing issues for youth, and we encourage our state’s leaders to ensure those dollars are made available to Michigan children and teens.
“We will keep working to see that every dollar meant for young people reaches them, and that they can access the programs that help them grow, thrive, and lead.”
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