Fears About Kids’ Online Safety Unite Democrats and Republicans
Amid a decline in youth mental health, momentum builds for a federal crackdown on social media companies over protections for kids.
The U.S. Senate race in Texas is dominated by opposing views on social media's impact on children's mental health. Democratic candidate James Talarico has supported a ban on social media for kids under 16 and denounced "predatory algorithms." Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Big Tech companies, alleging they hook youth on their platforms or fail to restrict sensitive content.
As policymakers from both parties grow concerned, at least 35 Senate candidates have introduced bills to regulate social media. The proposed Kids Online Safety Act would require companies to implement safeguards like limiting communication with minors. Big Tech companies, including Meta, are lobbying for their preferred policy approach, with Meta investing in advertising to promote its teen accounts and argue for parental control.
Experts debate whether social media exacerbates mental health issues, while public health advocates and attorneys general demand stronger regulation amid growing public distrust of tech companies.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
