Experts push social media limits, 'minor mode' to shield teenagers

Digital safety experts are calling for technology companies to implement stronger protective measures for teenage users, including mandatory page breaks, post limits, and dedicated 'minor mode' settings that give parents greater control over their children's online activity.

The recommendations come in the wake of Meta's $18 billion settlement in the United States and China's recent rollout of its 'Minor Mode' feature, which restricts younger users' daily platform access and usage duration. Industry observers say these developments signal growing regulatory pressure on social media firms to address concerns about teenage mental health and screen addiction.

Proposed safeguards include timed interruptions that prompt users to take breaks from scrolling, caps on the number of posts users can view per session, and enhanced parental monitoring tools. Advocates argue such measures would reduce prolonged exposure to potentially harmful content while encouraging healthier digital habits among adolescents.

The push reflects broader global concerns about the impact of social media on youth wellbeing, with governments and health bodies increasingly scrutinizing how platforms engage younger audiences. Technology firms face mounting pressure to demonstrate they are taking concrete steps to mitigate risks rather than relying solely on age-verification systems.

While some companies have introduced wellness features in recent years, experts contend that voluntary measures have proven insufficient, suggesting that mandatory industry standards may be necessary to ensure consistent protection across platforms.