South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million from Meta, potentially as much as $73.5 million, because of harms social media platforms caused young people. The question now is whether that money will directly improve their lives.

For years, the debate has focused on what children should give up: phones in class, harmful content, endless scrolling and screen time. But asking young people to put their phones down is not enough. We must give them something meaningful to step into.

That means afterschool and summer programs, sports, arts, activities, libraries, mentors, youth jobs, leadership opportunities and mental health support. These are infrastructure for healthy childhoods, working families and thriving communities.

About 60,000 South Dakota children need afterschool or summer care, while only 20,000 are served. Cost, distance and transportation remain major barriers, especially in rural and tribal communities.

The Meta settlement can help close those gaps, but only if South Dakota avoids repeating choices made with earlier tobacco and opioid settlements. State leaders should create a transparent, youth-informed plan before spending begins. Funds should address social media harms, expand investments and prioritize communities with the fewest options.

Lasting change requires more than short-term grants. It requires stable staff, more program slots, transportation, safe spaces and mental health services.

The goal is not simply fewer hours on a phone. It is more time spent building friendships, discovering talents and connecting with caring adults. Money meant to repair harm to young people should reach young people.

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