Oakland youth organisations are seeking a share of a proposed Meta settlement worth up to $17.1 billion, arguing that money intended to address the harm associated with social media should support community-based programmes for young people.
The agreement, announced in August by California attorney general Rob Bonta and a coalition of state attorneys general, followed allegations that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram features to encourage compulsive use among children and teenagers.
California could receive between $1.5 billion and $2.1 billion over the next decade if the settlement is approved. The state’s share is expected to be directed towards preventing or addressing mental-health and other harms linked to social media use, although decisions on spending will rest with Governor Gavin Newsom and the California legislature.
Oakland groups make case for youth funding
Advocacy groups in the Bay Area are now working to form a statewide coalition aimed at ensuring the money reaches organisations already supporting young people outside the digital world.
Jessica Gunderson, co-chief executive of the Partnership for Children & Youth, said funding should reflect the breadth of support requested by children and families, including community organisations, arts programmes and behavioural and mental-health services.
“It will be important to have the whole gamut of what young people have been asking for—community-based organizations, art organizations, behavioral health, and mental health as well,” she said.
The proposed settlement includes a range of safeguards for under-18s on Facebook and Instagram. They include a default two-hour daily limit, restrictions on overnight access, limits on notifications during school hours, stronger age checks and enhanced parental controls.
Meta would also be required to hide like and reaction counts from young users, restrict cosmetic-procedure filters and provide an option for a non-personalised feed. An independent auditor would monitor the company’s compliance.
The agreement remains subject to approval by a federal court in California. The allegations against Meta have not been formally admitted as part of the settlement.
Young people turn to life beyond the screen
In Oakland, organisations such as Destiny Art Center are presenting face-to-face activities as an alternative to constant phone use. Members of the centre’s Junior Dance Company recently performed together, celebrating their first show as a team.
Stella Elizondo, an Oakland dancer, said she did not have a phone and valued spending time away from screens.
“I think it’s good to be off the screen… it’s a beautiful day,” she said.
Other young people involved in local programmes say they can spend as many as seven hours a day using screens. Dancer Laurynn Taylor said reducing that time could help children remain connected to their surroundings, their communities and their roots.
For Oakland’s non-profits, the settlement represents a potential opportunity to expand that work—but the ultimate priorities for California’s funding will not be known until state lawmakers and the governor decide how the money should be allocated.
