WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) is spearheading legislation to prohibit American children under the age of 13 from using social media platforms and to restrict algorithmic targeted content for users under 17.
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Speaking on the issue, Britt argued that young teenagers themselves acknowledge the emotional toll of social media.
“Ages 13 to 17 have said they feel more negative and depressed after being on social media,” Britt said.
The Alabama Republican, a mother of two school-age children, called for raising the minimum age for social media use to 16.
“Kids shouldn’t be on social media until they’re 16,” she said.
Britt accused Congress of inaction in the face of mounting evidence of harm to minors.
“Big Tech has a grip on Congress. Congress’ inaction is feckless,” she said. “I do not have to ask people what it’s like to raise kids right now; I am living it.”
The senator’s proposal would bar social media companies from using algorithms to push targeted content to any user under the age of 17.
“We know the harms,” Britt said. “It’s our job to put up the proper guardrails. The time for action is now.”
The legislation comes amid growing bipartisan concern over the addictive design of social media platforms contributes to rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues among minors.
Britt’s bill is one of several measures introduced in recent years aimed at increasing online protections for children, though previous efforts have stalled amid lobbying from the technology industry and debates over free-speech implications.
Common sense legislation. The problem is that common sense is not common….