Steele: Meta settlement is just one step in right direction
‘We must keep working to prevent digital harm to our children’
Rep. Mandy Steele August 26, 2026 | 12:31 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 — State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, a leading advocate in Pennsylvania of protecting children from digital harm, described today’s settlement in Meta’s major federal lawsuit over youth social media addiction as only one step in the right direction in the effort to create a healthier online environment for children.
“Today’s settlement is encouraging, but let’s be clear: We must keep working to prevent digital harm to our children,” Steele said. “As a parent and a legislator, I know this issue demands our continued attention. Research and expert testimony have clearly shown that unfettered access to devices can lead to mental health problems, social problems and educational difficulties. Our children are too important for us to let these trends continue.”
The case against Meta was brought by a coalition of 29 states, including Pennsylvania, that claimed the technology company deliberately used its platforms to lure young users despite knowing the risks. Under today’s settlement, Meta agreed to pay $17 billion to the states that sued and implement new child-safety measures on its platforms.
In the Pennsylvania House, Steele is the sponsor of H.B. 1814, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school authorities.
Steele’s bill passed the House in June and remains pending in the Senate.