Advocates Press for Stronger Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

Amy Neville and Kristin Bride describe each other as “soulmates.” Their bond was forged on a tragic day, June 23, 2020, when both lost their teenage sons due to harms related to social media. Although their sons, living a thousand miles apart, never met, their deaths brought their mothers together.

In the aftermath, Bride initially felt isolated, but soon, a community of parents rallying for stronger online safety emerged. This movement gained momentum, with advocates pushing for social media regulations aimed at protecting children. Some landmark jury verdicts against tech giants have paved the way for accountability, even as the U.S. continues to lag behind other countries with children-focused bans.

Neville remarked, “The court of public opinion is now on our side, and that has brought things to the next level.”

Alexander Neville, Amy’s son, was a bright, entrepreneurial spirit who fell victim to a fatal drug transaction through Snapchat at age 14. Carson Bride, Kristin’s son, a cheerful and caring boy, succumbed to the pressures of cyberbullying at 16. Their stories and those of 270 other children were honored recently in Washington, D.C., on the significant anniversary established as Social Media Victims Remembrance Day.

Carrie Baeten remembers her son Jack McDonough during the memorial in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Accountability from Jury Verdicts

Global awareness of social media’s impact on young minds has led to new restrictions in countries like Australia and the U.K. The U.S. saw progress with recent jury verdicts against Meta and Google, reflecting a shift in how courts perceive social media companies.

Matthew Bergman of the Social Media Victims Law Center stated that advancing a trial against Los Angeles platforms marked a crucial change. More than 1,000 plaintiffs, challenging tech companies’ design choices, strive to bypass the protection provided by Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act.

Bergman noted, “It is still a hurdle, but no longer a barrier.”

Legislative and Litigation Efforts

Federal social media oversight in the U.S. has been sluggish. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act has required parental consent since 2000 for collecting information from children under 13. A recent bipartisan House agreement, the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, aims to further these protections, despite criticism for omitting a critical “duty of care” clause.

Senator Marsha Blackburn warned, “Without a duty of care, Big Tech will maintain the status quo.”

Kristin Bride emphasized a three-pronged advocacy approach: legislation, litigation, and education. When legislative efforts stall, litigation proceeds, ensuring continuous progress.

Brittney Bird and her family remember her son Bradyn Bohn during the memorial. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Aaron Neville, father of Alexander Neville, wipes tears during the event. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Despite social media platforms implementing some safety measures, including teen-specific accounts and stricter content controls, advocates demand deeper changes. Bergman said, “There are baby steps, but we need more.”

Senate’s Call for Action

Since 2024, the Senate has recognized June 23 as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day, dedicating it to those lost to online dangers such as suicide and cyberbullying.

At the event, senators urged decisive action. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for repealing Section 230, while Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the fight for endangered lives. Senator Josh Hawley criticized colleagues for inaction, attributing it to lobbying and financial influences from tech industries.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has called upon the CEOs of major tech companies to testify about child safety measures on their platforms, acknowledging a growing awareness of social media’s impact.

Kristin Bride and Amy Neville remain hopeful and vigilant, reflecting newfound optimism in the relentless advocacy for the safety of future generations. Neville concluded, “Lives are on the line every morning I wake up, and I’ll continue fighting until the end.”