Lawmakers aim to turn social media settlement funds into mental health support for Michigan youth

With Michigan set to receive a sizable amount as part of a settlement agreement between 50 states and territories and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, two state lawmakers are looking to use those funds to bolster Michigan’s youth mental health efforts.

In August, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the state would receive at least $171 million, following allegations that Meta had intentionally designed its apps with addictive features, harming young people and misleading the public about the safety of its platforms.

To ensure the settlement funds are reinvested in youth mental health efforts, state Reps. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden) have proposed legislation to create the Youth Social Media Settlement Fund within the Michigan Department of Treasury.

“For years, parents, educators and health professionals have raised concerns about the toll social media can take on our children’s mental health,” Rogers said in a statement. “Now, these companies are facing legal consequences, and Michigan stands to recover millions of dollars. We have a responsibility to make sure that money goes toward helping our young people, giving them the care, support and opportunities they need to lead healthy lives.”

If House Bills 6463 and 6464, sponsored by Rogers and Mueller, are signed into law, this new trust fund would receive money from social media-related lawsuits and settlements. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would use that fund to distribute grants for youth mental health services, crisis intervention, after-school programs, mentoring and other evidence-based programs. 

The package also includes statewide planning and annual reporting requirements to ensure the funds are used as the Legislature intended.

“The funds made available through this settlement should be invested in solutions that address the growing mental health challenges facing our communities,” Mueller said in a statement. “As technology continues to rapidly evolve, we must ensure our efforts keep pace with the challenges our children face and provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.”