The US lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing

Amy Neville and Kristin Bride, who both lost their teenage sons on June 23, 2020, due to social media-related harms, have become advocates for online child safety. Their sons, Alexander Neville and Carson Bride, died from a drug overdose and suicide following cyberbullying, respectively. The mothers have joined a growing movement pushing for stronger social media regulations to protect children. Recent jury verdicts against tech giants like Meta and Google have highlighted the need for accountability, revealing internal communications comparing their platforms to addictive substances. Globally, countries like Australia and the U.K. have implemented age restrictions on social media use. In the U.S., the movement is gaining momentum, with advocates hoping for legislative changes. The anniversary of their sons’ deaths is now recognized as Social Media Victims Remembrance Day, honoring children lost to online harms. QUESTION: How might increased regulation of social media platforms impact the way young people interact online?