WASHINGTON — Children across the United States are dealing with a variable that has been unknown to other generations: the internet. Through the use of the World Wide Web, adolescents and adults alike can access an endless stream of information and websites. However, many wonder if the internet is too accessible for young children.
Social media websites like Facebook, Instagram, and X provide a space for people to find unique creators, but they also host a variety of perspectives from across the political spectrum. Sexual content and crass language are common on these sites, leading society to question whether social media is harmful to children.
Although it would be nearly impossible to completely restrict American children from accessing the internet, new protections could give parents more control over their children’s online actions.
Recently, a coalition of 32 attorneys general from across the United States requested that Congress pass a bipartisan solution called the Kids Online Safety Act, which would address the issue of online safety for minors.
The coalition sent a letter to Congress on Nov. 18 outlining why the Kids Online Safety Act is necessary to protect children from harmful content on the internet. One key point of the letter highlighted how companies profit by selling the user data of those under 18 and how social media platforms are often addictive, especially to young children.
“We are acutely aware of the threats minors face on social media,” the letter reads. “Many social media platforms target minors, resulting in a national youth mental health catastrophe. These platforms make their products addictive to minor users, and then profit from selling minor user data to advertisers. These platforms fail to disclose the addicting nature of their products, nor the harms associated with increased social media use. Instead, minor users receive endless tailored and toxic content. Further, increasing evidence suggests these platforms are aware of the negative mental health effects social media burdens its underage users with, but choose to continue these practices.”
The Kids Online Safety Act appears to be gaining traction in Maryland. Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined the coalition demanding more action from Congress on the subject of online safety and restrictions for children. More attorneys general may come out in support of the act in the future, especially if it gains more popularity nationwide.
The act outlines actions that would be required of social media websites operating in the U.S. It states: “Covered platforms must take reasonable measures in the design and operation of products or services used by minors to prevent and mitigate certain harms that may arise from that use (e.g., sexual exploitation and online bullying). Additionally, covered platforms must provide minors with certain safeguards, such as settings that restrict access to minors’ personal data; and parents or guardians with tools to supervise minors’ use of a platform, such as control of privacy and account settings.”
Though the attorneys general acknowledge in their letter that the internet has improved daily life across the U.S., they stress the need for action to ensure big corporations cannot exploit children for profit.
The mental health of America’s youth is also of paramount importance. Recent research shows that extensive screen time is a leading cause of poor mental health among children. The American Psychological Association has shared data indicating that teenagers may spend almost five hours on social media every day.
It’s too early to tell whether the Kids Online Safety Act will solve the ongoing safety problems children face online. However, the overwhelming bipartisan support for laws countering the exploitation of minors on the internet is a step in the right direction.
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