At a Glance
- Congress is weighing a federal ban on social media for users under 13
- The proposal would also bar algorithms for anyone under 17
- Australia already bars under-16s; Texas lawmakers eye similar rules
- Why it matters: Parents and doctors say screen time is fueling a teen mental-health crisis
Congress is moving toward new age restrictions on social media as lawmakers, doctors, and parents warn that rising teenage screen time is feeding depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
The latest push comes from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, who used a recent Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing to spotlight the issue. His bill would:
- Ban social media accounts for anyone under 13
- Prohibit platforms from using recommendation algorithms for users under 17
Meta, Google’s YouTube, TikTok, and X told the panel they can police themselves and warned that federal rules could trample free-speech rights. The argument failed to sway experts who testified.
Mental-health stakes
“This is all happening within the context of a child mental-health crisis and a loneliness epidemic,” said Dr. Jenny Radesky, University of Michigan pediatrician.
Emily Cherkin, a former seventh-grade teacher and author of Screentime Consultant, told lawmakers digital parenting is tougher than classroom teaching.
“I will tell you that parenting in the digital age is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I taught seventh grade for 12 years,” Cherkin said.
Research presented at the hearing links heavier screen use to:
- Higher rates of depression
- Rising anxiety
- Increased self-harm among teens
AI adds new risks
Experts told the committee that artificial-intelligence companion apps could deepen the damage.
“I’m even more concerned about the AI companion apps than I am about social media. It is terrifying to think our children are having their first relationships with these sycophantic chatbots,” said Dr. Jean Twenge, San Diego State University.
Capitol Hill frustration
Lawmakers from both parties voiced anger that tech firms have resisted regulation despite mounting evidence of harm.
“Big Tech has fought us every step of the way. There are laws in the physical world that prohibit you from endangering children in any way, shape, or form. But in the virtual space it’s the Wild West,” said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee.
Global and state moves
International action is adding pressure. Australia recently banned social media for children 16 and under.
In Texas, State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Denton, filed a similar bill last session and told News Of Fort Worth he will try again in 2025.
The renewed congressional focus follows weeks of backlash over Elon Musk’s Grok, which briefly allowed users to generate sexual images of women and children before the feature was pulled.
Industry pushback
The major platforms say they will fight Cruz’s measure on Capitol Hill and, if it passes, in court. They contend existing self-regulation tools are sufficient and that new federal mandates could violate First Amendment protections.
Key Takeaways
- A federal bill would set a minimum age of 13 for social media use
- Algorithms that feed teens content would be blocked for users under 17
- Doctors cite rising depression, anxiety, and self-harm tied to screen time
- Australia and pending Texas legislation show momentum for age restrictions
