Advocates Push for Stronger Social Media Safeguards for Children

Amy Neville and Kristin Bride share a profound bond, formed under tragic circumstances. On June 23, 2020, both mothers lost their teenage sons due to issues related to social media. Despite living thousands of miles apart, the two teens were connected through the adverse effects of these platforms. When Bride and Neville met, early in their advocacy efforts, they both felt isolated. However, their efforts have contributed to the expanding online child safety movement, which now includes many parents fighting for more rigorous social media safeguards and stronger legislation to protect children online.

There’s been significant progress. Recent landmark jury verdicts have shown potential pathways for holding tech companies accountable. While the U.S. hasn’t reached the point of banning social media for children, as seen in countries like Australia and Indonesia, there’s renewed interest in regulation in Congress. Neville emphasizes that, “We have the court of public opinion on our side, and that is powerful.”

Tragedy and Advocacy

Alexander Neville was described by his mother as “brilliant and intense” with an entrepreneurial spirit. He was just 14 when a drug dealer contacted him through Snapchat, leading to his untimely death. Carson Bride, 16, ended his life after experiencing severe cyberbullying. These losses motivated their families to turn June 23 into Social Media Victims Remembrance Day. This recent event in Washington, D.C., commemorated around 270 children and young adults who suffered from online harm.

Jury Verdicts and Accountability

Increased awareness of social media dangers for young minds has led to new restrictions worldwide. Various countries have implemented bans on platforms like TikTok and Instagram for users under certain ages. In the U.S., the movement gained momentum with notable jury verdicts against Meta and Google. These court cases exposed insights into the operations of tech companies, revealing employee communications comparing their products to addictive substances.

Entrenched laws, such as Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, protect tech companies from accountability for content. However, lawyers are bypassing this by targeting companies’ design choices. Matthew Bergman of the Social Media Victims Law Center noted how these lawsuits are advancing the cause.

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

Social media legislation in the U.S. progresses slowly. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act mandates apps to gain parental consent before collecting data from children under 13. A new proposal, the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, aims to bolster this. Critics argue it lacks crucial “duty of care” provisions, prompting warnings that without such measures, social media firms might continue prioritizing profits over safety.

Bride and Neville emphasize a three-prong strategy involving legislation, litigation, and education to keep advancing their cause.

Social Media Companies’ Responses

Social media companies have gradually introduced safety features, but advocates argue more is necessary. Instagram now sets certain restrictions on teen accounts, while YouTube offers parental control options. Bergman stresses that despite minor improvements, fundamental changes in product design to reduce addictive engagement remain essential.

Senate Action and the Social Media Debate

The Senate annually recognizes June 23 as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. At the recent event, senators demanded decisive action. Sen. Amy Klobuchar urged repealing Section 230, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal called for vigorous advocacy. Sen. Josh Hawley criticized Congress for inadequate action, attributing it to industry influence via lobbying and campaign contributions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to question CEOs from Meta, Alphabet, TikTok, and Snap about child safety. The U.S. seems to be at a critical juncture in addressing social media risks. Bride and Neville, attentive and hopeful, remain committed to witnessing change.