Senators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Set Age Restrictions for Social Media

Protecting Kids from Social Media

A group of bipartisan senators has introduced legislation that aims to protect children from the negative effects of social media. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), would set a minimum age for social media use and impose other restrictions on how social media platforms present content to minors.

Age Verification and Parental Consent

The bill would require social media platforms to verify that users are older than 13 and to obtain parental consent for users aged 13 to 17. This is a crucial step in ensuring that children are not exposed to harmful content or manipulated by algorithms that use their personal data.

No More Algorithmic Boosting

The bill would also prohibit social media companies from using algorithms to determine what content is presented. This is a significant move, as algorithms have been shown to exacerbate mental health issues in young people by promoting harmful content.

The Link Between Social Media and Poor Mental Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 42 percent of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021. Additionally, 22 percent of students reported having seriously considered attempting suicide, and 16 percent said they had been electronically bullied through texting or social media within the past year. These figures highlight the clear link between social media use and poor mental health.

As for-profit businesses, social media companies have a responsibility to maximize revenue, meaning there’s a direct correlation between agitating kids and satisfying investors. It’s not a stretch to say these companies have a near obligation to upset an entire generation of children on a persistent basis. We must act.

The Negative Effects of Social Media

The pressures children experience in school have greatly increased with the introduction and evolution of social media. Negative comments and bullying can now be memorialized forever online, following children for a lifetime. And those negative effects aren’t solely felt by kids, as adults often experience them while on social media.

Having Difficult Conversations

Discussing the potential harms of social media with kids can be challenging, but it is necessary. We have to take a step back and prioritize the well-being of our children over the profits of social media companies. Let’s work together to protect our kids from the negative effects of social media.