Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has agreed to significant platform changes as part of an $18 billion settlement in the US, addressing allegations of harm to young users. The settlement aims to resolve claims concerning the platforms’ negative impact on youth mental health and well-being. Experts indicate the changes will affect how teen accounts are designed and operated, with a stronger focus on safety features. These modifications will likely include stricter age verification processes and limitations on features that could be detrimental to young users. While the full extent of the changes and their widespread implementation are still unfolding, the settlement marks a pivotal moment in holding social media companies accountable for protecting children online. The impact of these changes on teen usage and the broader social media landscape remains to be seen, but it signals a shift towards prioritizing youth safety.