Child online safety draws support across party lines

Congress moves toward federal rules

Concern about social media’s effects on children is bringing lawmakers from both parties closer to federal regulation as youth mental health declines and researchers continue to examine the causes.

Congress is considering the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require social media companies to add safeguards, including limits on users’ ability to communicate with minors. An earlier version received 91 yes votes in the Senate. Donald Trump Jr., President Donald Trump’s son, called for the bill’s passage in December 2024.

At least 35 U.S. Senate nominees have sponsored legislation, opened investigations or publicly criticized large technology companies over their treatment of children and teenagers. The activity reflects broad agreement on the problem, though policymakers have proposed different solutions.

Companies seek to shape the response

Apple supports the Kids Online Safety Act. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, argues that parents should approve the apps their teenagers download and that broad social media bans could move young people to less safe platforms.

Meta has also promoted its teen accounts through in television advertising. In late August, the company reached a billion settlement with 48 states, the District of Columbia and three territories, while promising changes to policies and settings intended to protect children. Afterward, Meta placed newspaper advertisements urging competitors to adopt similar safeguards.

Children’s health advocates are seeking federal legislation that goes beyond voluntary company policies. Technology companies and industry groups, meanwhile, are lobbying over how any national requirements would work and whether authority should rest mainly with parents or the government.