Attorneys General Urge Congress to Pass Legislation Protecting Children from Social Media’s Harmful Effects
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 41 other attorneys general have called on Congress to pass legislation aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of social media.
The Request for Warning Labels
The 42 attorneys general ask Congress to require a warning label on “algorithm-driven” social media platforms in a letter dated September 9 and sent to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“By mandating a surgeon general’s warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, Congress can help abate this growing crisis and protect future generations of Americans,” the letter reads.
The Harmful Psychological Effects of Algorithm-Driven Social Media
The attorneys general outlined harmful psychological effects of algorithm-driven social media, arguing that certain platforms are fueling a concerning mental health crisis among younger generations. Social media that uses algorithms can contribute to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and disrupted sleep, the letter says.
Support from the U.S. Surgeon General
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote an op-ed in the New York Times pushing for the same type of warning label.
“A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research, and investment into the oversight of social media platforms,” the letter says. “We urge Congress to consider such measures and continue the search for innovative solutions to protect our children in the face of emerging technologies.”
States and Leaders Taking Action
Some states and leaders have already taken other routes to push back against social media platforms. Raoul and others joined a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta for its strategies targeting children on the apps.
“Our children should be aware that social media platforms utilize features to make their platforms more addictive to young people. These algorithm-driven platforms can interfere with sleep and education, enable cyberbullying, and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and thoughts of self-harm,” Raoul said in a news release. “I am committed to holding responsible actors accountable for putting profits ahead of mental health and well-being of our children.”
Conclusion
The attorneys general’s letter and the lawsuit against Meta are just two examples of the efforts being made to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. As the debate around social media’s impact on mental health continues, it is essential that lawmakers, policymakers, and industry leaders work together to find solutions that prioritize the well-being of our children.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the warning label?
A: The warning label aims to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with algorithm-driven social media platforms and to encourage responsible use among young people.
Q: What are the harmful effects of algorithm-driven social media?
A: The letter cites depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and disrupted sleep as some of the harmful effects of algorithm-driven social media.
Q: Who is supporting the warning label?
A: The 42 attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, are supporting the warning label, as well as U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
Q: What is the next step?
A: The next step is for Congress to consider the request for a warning label and to continue the search for innovative solutions to protect our children in the face of emerging technologies.
Q: What is the lawsuit against Meta?
A: The lawsuit is a separate effort to hold Meta accountable for its strategies targeting children on its apps, which allegedly prioritize profits over mental health and well-being.
