US Parents Seek Stricter Social Media Controls

Published on 5.29.25

  The growing concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health has led to a surge in demands for stricter regulations from parents and policymakers in the US. A recent study found that excessive social media use may contribute to the development of depression in children aged 9-12, with 71% of Americans supporting age verification before usage. Dr. Jason Nagata notes that cyberbullying and lack of sleep are potential drivers of depression, but parents face a dilemma as social media is often their primary means of connecting with peers. A Pew Research poll found that 81% of Americans believe parents should be required to give consent before their children create social media accounts. Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen's internal research revealed that Instagram poses toxic risks to teenage girls' mental health, including thoughts of suicide and eating disorders. Actress Kate Winslet warns that excessive social media use erodes young people's self-esteem, causing them to lose their sense of identity and struggle with communication within their families. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a 1,325% increase in suspected child sexual exploitation involving Generative AI this year, further highlighting the need for regulation.

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