Teen mental health has come under renewed scrutiny after a New Mexico state court ordered Meta to pay US$567 million into a fund supporting young people’s mental health and introduce changes to its platforms for younger users.

The ruling was issued on Thursday by Judge Bryan Biedscheid in Santa Fe. The court found that Meta had created a public nuisance in New Mexico, siding with Attorney General Raúl Torrez.

Torrez argued that the company designed its social media platforms to keep young users engaged in addictive ways. He also accused Meta of failing to adequately protect children using its platforms.

The decision follows an earlier phase of the case. Five months ago, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay US$375 million after determining that the company violated consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety of Facebook and Instagram for young users.

Judge Biedscheid ruled that US$420 million of the US$567 million payment will fund treatment services for young people. The remaining amount will support awareness and prevention initiatives, screening services, and other related costs over the next five years.

In addition, the court directed Meta to submit progress reports twice a year outlining its compliance with the ordered measures and platform changes for younger users.

The teen mental health ruling marks one of the largest state court penalties against Meta over youth wellbeing concerns. The decision also requires ongoing oversight as New Mexico seeks stronger safeguards for children using social media platforms. Teen mental health is expected to remain a key focus as Meta implements the court’s directives.

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