Parents Demand Universal Online Safeguards Beyond Meta Agreement

The findings, released September 14, 2026, capture a growing consensus among families who view the recent Meta policy changes as a necessary baseline rather than a final solution. Parents involved in the Mercury Analytics study specifically praised features that restrict access during school hours and late-night windows, arguing these tools help children develop better self-regulation habits.

Glen Weiner, executive director of the Coalition, emphasized that the current regulatory progress must extend across the entire digital ecosystem. Participants in the study echoed this sentiment, with several calling for federal legislation to codify these protections. Beyond simple restrictions, parents identified the dismantling of algorithm-based feeds as a critical priority, citing concerns over how these systems target and influence adolescent behavior. The Coalition, which includes board members such as former Governor Steve Bullock and psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Carney, maintains that these safety measures are essential components of a larger strategy to improve youth mental health nationwide.