LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new Arkansas coalition is urging the state to use part of its expected $172 million settlement with Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta to pay for after-school programs, mentoring and other activities for young people.
Fund IRL Arkansas outlined the proposal in a Sept. 17 news release, calling for investment in programs that give children opportunities to build relationships and develop skills away from screens. IRL stands for “in real life.”
The coalition’s release does not specify a dollar amount or percentage it is seeking, identify funding recipients or announce an approved allocation.
The group wants settlement money to support after-school and summer programs, youth mental health services, sports, arts, outdoor activities and career-related learning. Its proposed priorities also include science, technology, engineering and math programs.
“This settlement represents an important step forward in protecting young people online, but it also gives Arkansas an extraordinary opportunity to invest in our future,” said Laveta Wills-Hale, director of the Arkansas Out of School Network and the coalition’s lead, in the release.
The coalition said rural and underserved communities should be a priority because transportation, cost and limited program availability can prevent children from participating in activities outside the school day.
Organizers argue that stronger online protections should be accompanied by investments in programs and places where children can spend time together in person. The coalition said it plans to bring together youth organizations, community leaders and other advocates to develop a shared approach to that spending.
The national Fund IRL website lists the Arkansas Out of School Network and the Arkansas Environmental Education Association as the state effort’s coordinating organizations.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the multistate agreement Aug. 26, putting Arkansas’ guaranteed share under its terms at $172,459,936, with the possibility of a larger amount. The coalition said the money is expected over the next decade.
The agreement followed litigation over the safety of children using Meta’s platforms. Meta has denied wrongdoing, Reuters reported.
Griffin’s announcement said the proposed agreement remained subject to court approval at that time. The protections described by his office include a combined two-hour daily limit on Facebook and Instagram for young users, overnight access restrictions, stronger parental controls and additional age-verification measures.
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