Today on Capitol Hill, Congress interrogated CEOs of major social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, X, Discord, Meta and TikTok, spotlighting the rare bipartisan topic, social media. 

As newer generations become more and more dependent on the internet, leaders and parents are begging for government’s intervention in the social media market. Parents of children who have “died at the hands of technology” were present on Capitol Hill wearing black and holding pictures of lost children. In a dramatic moment, Mark Zuckerberg addressed and apologized to these parents for what they were going through. 

Senators applied pressure on the CEO’s  to adopt Bill 1291, Protecting Kids on Social Media Act, introduced April 2023. 

The act sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz calls for a stricter age verification process, limiting use to those 13 and under. As of now social media platforms allow users to enter birthdays, that may or may not be true to access the platform, which has allowed many predators to reach the younger users. 

Since the founding of the internet 28 years ago no legislative bills have been passed in the name of protecting the impressionable minds of young children in the United States. 

Students debate this topic in Kori James’ US history class and agree  the age of 16 as a more appropriate age to begin using social media. Many of the negative concerns were about bullying, body image, inappropriate content, and over consumption of media. 

When asked if they would be willing to support the Kids Online Safety Act, all CEO’s remained eerily silent. 

According to Politico Snapchats owner made it known that they plan to back the legislation and work towards enforcing the objectives. Zuckerberg spent his opening address sharing the current solutions Meta has adopted for protection, including 20,000 safety and content review positions since his last visit to The Hill. 

As the hearing went on tensions became notable with voices raised and advocates frustrated at the lack of conviction by the CEO’s. Senator Marsha Blackburn brought up the controversial $270 estimated value per teen life that was earlier exposed in Meta documentation. This topic illuminated the the youth advocates and the tension in the room. 

Teens at the social media Senate hearing wearing “I’m worth more than $270” shirts.

A 2018 facebook email said “The lifetime value of a 13 y/o teen is roughly $270” https://t.co/CrrLIauJNp

— Steve Rhodes (@tigerbeat) January 31, 2024

This topic will continue to evolve as social media usage grows and technology advances. Students agreed that parents should play a more active role in helping their children establish boundaries and transparency. 

We want to hear from you. Should the Government have a role in social media? Should CEO’s be held responsible for the safety of their young users? What age do you think is appropriate? 

Leave a comment below.

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