Youngkin unveils plan to restrict TikTok for Virginians under the age of 18

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) announced Thursday his intentions to restrict those under the age of 18 from accessing TikTok in Virginia.

The governor made the announcement on the first anniversary of his mental health initiative titled “Right Help, Right Now.” This is the same initiative that created the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. While Youngkin hadn’t issued any policies surrounding mental health and social media, as the initiative enters its second year, Youngkin is demonstrating his shift there as a press release from his office estimates children spend roughly five hours a day on social media.

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“The impact of Chinese Communist Party affiliated TikTok on our children’s mental health has been detrimental,” Youngkin posted on X. “That’s why we are introducing legislation to restrict access to TikTok for children under 18 in Virginia.”

This comes after Montana attempted a statewide ban of TikTok which has since been overturned by federal court. Montana’s ban was the first of its kind when lawmakers voted for it earlier this year. TikTok has combated attempts to ban it with the argument that the bans infringe on the First Amendment.

Virginia is also aiming to protect the privacy of children on social media and prohibit all social media companies from using targeted ads on children, using addictive practices, or offering virtual merchandise for sale. Parents in Virginia can expect attempts to implement further guardrails.

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Additionally, Youngkin promised another $500 million toward the initiative, most of which is going to waivers that allow eligible people with a developmental disability to receive medical, residential, and behavioral services. The money allotted will allow for over 3,000 more waivers for those who are eligible.

Virginia currently ranks 48th in the country for youth mental health.