(InvestigateTV) — Attorneys general from 42 U.S. states have written to Congress, urging action on algorithm-driven social media platforms, which they say have caused “generational harm” to young people’s mental health.
Aaron Ford, Attorney General from Nevada, said they had to speak up for young people who don’t have an opportunity to speak up for themselves.
Jonathan Skrmetti, Attorney General of Tennessee, pointed out that Attorney Generals often disagree on a lot of issues, so the fact that they have come together solidly on this issue makes a powerful statement.
Skrmetti, a Republican, and Ford, a Democrat, both agreed that protecting children and consumers is a major priority for AGs nationwide.
In their letter, the Attorneys General urged Congress to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, citing research linking them to psychological harm in young people.
“Consequences can include an increased risk of depression, and anxiety,” Ford explained. “Sometimes it harms the body image. Up to and including eating disorders. Lack of sleep and higher obesity rates. So those types of things are at the forefront of our minds when we as Attorneys General come together to protect our youth.”
Last year, Attorneys General from 45 states and Washington, D.C. filed lawsuits accusing Meta of “using manipulative product features designed to push young users’ engagement to dangerous levels.”
Still, the letter says federal action is required.
“It’s got to be something put in place so that everyone who uses it or every parent who looks at what their kid is using appreciates that there is a danger of using these platforms in a way that hurts kids,” Skrmetti noted. “There have to be limits. There are parental controls in a lot of these platforms.”
As for tips and recommendations for consumers, Generals Ford and Skrmetti said parents should continue monitoring what their children are doing online.
“Be engaged. Be careful. Ask questions. Be inquisitive,” Ford advised. “Don’t let the old–your kid comes home from school and you say hi was your day and they say “fine!” That’s not sufficient! We need to talk about what they’re doing on social media. Who are they meeting! Who are their friends. Get nosey so to speak! And I think that’s one of the ways we can continue to protect our children!”
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