[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   KIDS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA ACT OF 2024

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, there can be no doubt that this country is 
experiencing a youth mental health crisis. I also agree with the 
Surgeon General and other experts that social media plays a part in 
that crisis. However, I recognize social media is also an important 
forum for expression, learning, and communications that can serve as a 
lifeline for young people, especially those from marginalized or 
vulnerable communities.
  Therefore, I cannot agree with an absolute ban of minors under 13 
from social media. With meaningful tools to enable parental consent, 
strong privacy rules, and reasonable regulations against manipulative 
or harmful designs, I believe young minors can safely access social 
media. This is where the Senate should focus its time.
  I also worry about the bill's new inclusion of the Eyes on the Board 
Act of 2024. This bill could make it hard for teachers to incorporate 
social media applications into their teaching or preparation. It would 
also limit the ability of young people who depend on school-issued 
laptops and mobile internet connections from accessing educational 
videos and other informational content on social media when not in 
school. This raises serious equity concerns and would worsen the 
country's digital divide.
  For these reasons, I will object to any unanimous consent agreement 
to take up or pass the Kids Off Social Media Act of 2024.

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