U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is one of nine co-sponsors of the Kids Off Social Media Act, which limits access to social media for children under 13 and requires the platforms to implement certain restrictions.
Britt accused the social media companies of knowingly using harmful algorithms to lure young teens onto their platforms, which has led to a "mental health crisis."
"We know those algorithms are used against our children between the ages of 13 and 17," Britt said Tuesday on Newsmax's "Chris Salcedo Show." "We've said you don't get to use those against our kids. They're impressionable; they're young. We want to put up the proper guardrails that allow them to explore and grow, but to do so in a safe manner."
The bill would also prohibit targeted advertising to users under 17 and allow states to sue social media companies for violations. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the act's provisions. Britt cited the U.S. Surgeon General's warning issued last year that no child under 16 should use social media.
"We have to do more. And the algorithms themselves send children down a rabbit hole," she continued. "The longer you stay on a post, the more money they make. The more depressing the content, the longer you stay on a post. You can see what this is doing to our children. Chris, we've got to do better. There is a mental health crisis amongst young people in America, and the time to step up is right now."
Britt said she was open to all available options to address this issue, including requiring age verification to access the social media platforms.
"They have the tools, Chris. They don't want to do it. The younger they get these kids in, the more impressionable they are," she said. "They have hooked a user for life, but unfortunately, it is taking the lives of so many. We've got to do more, and we've got to do better, and we've got to start somewhere. So I'm open to any and all options, anything to protect the next generation. But the time to do it is now."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email [email protected] or find him on X and Facebook.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
