Global fight against harms of social media shines spotlight on US inaction
Countries around the world are enacting or considering legislation to protect children from the harms of social media, citing addictive design and online dangers. Legal actions against companies like Meta highlight growing accountability for platforms that exploit young users. Meanwhile, the United States lags in federal action due to lobbying efforts and weakened legislation, despite bipartisan support in the Senate for stronger child protections.
- ▪Greece, Australia, and several European nations are implementing or considering social media restrictions for minors to protect against online harms.
- ▪In 2025, a jury in New Mexico found Meta liable for enabling child sexual exploitation on its platforms.
- ▪The U.S. Senate has bipartisan support for the Kids Online Safety Act, but House versions have been weakened by lobbying from major tech companies.
- ▪Australia's 2025 ban on social media for minors under 16 led to the deactivation of over 4.7 million accounts.
- ▪Meta, TikTok, X, Snap, and Discord spent a combined $30 million on lobbying in 2023 to influence U.S. child safety legislation.
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The prime minister of Greece recently took to TikTok to explain why he is pushing for a social media ban for youth under the age of 15. He pointed out that the “addictive design of some apps” along with other harms takes away “some of your innocence and freedom.” He’s not wrong. Recommended Stories False pro-Palestinian narratives Congress should pass Red Tape Elimination Act to lower prescription drug costs The keffiyeh: A symbol is being stolen in plain sight Teenagers and children are relentlessly exposed to addictive algorithms, predators, and viral social media challenges that can be fatal on social media and other digital platforms. A 2025 C.S.
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