Congress Introduces Landmark Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children Online

Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers today announced the introduction of the House companion to S.278, the Kids Off Social Media Act, landmark legislation aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the growing harms associated with social media use. The bill is led in the House by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna with bipartisan support from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and is backed in the Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Key Provisions of the Kids Off Social Media Act

 • Prohibits social media accounts for children under 13. Platforms must remove underage accounts and delete associated personal data.

 • Protects teens under 17 from algorithmic targeting. Social media companies are barred from using personal data to recommend or promote content to minors.

 • Strong enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce compliance, and state attorneys general may bring civil actions against violators.

 • School network protections. Schools receiving E-Rate funding must block social media on school devices and networks, implement filtering technology, and submit internet safety policies to the FCC. Schools that fail to make a good-faith effort must repay funds.

 • Clear definition of social media. Applies to public-facing platforms centered on user-generated content, while exempting services such as email, video conferencing, and educational platforms.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL):

“Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. Parents across America are sounding the alarm about the real harms social media is causing—from anxiety and depression to exposure to dangerous content. This bipartisan coalition reflects families nationwide who have been asking for help. The Kids Off Social Media Act is about putting children’s safety first and holding Big Tech accountable.”

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA):

“As a pediatrician and a mom, I’m very worried about the impacts that screen time and social media are having on this generation. We’re seeing sleep deprivation, inattentiveness, impaired social skills, and increased rates of depression and anxiety that experts in the field link to social media use. Social media companies are not properly regulating their platforms and are pushing harmful content on our kids that they know is detrimental. They’re purposely designing their platforms to make them more addictive and keep kids scrolling so they can rake in more profits. Our kids are not for sale. That’s why I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to set commonsense safety measures on social media use and protect our children.”

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX):

“Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families and empowering educators to better manage safe learning environments. I am grateful for the bipartisan leadership behind this legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools.”

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI):

“There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to do anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands. Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition — which includes several parents of kids and teenagers — represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”

Congress must heed the calls of parents across the nation and deliver this bill to the President’s desk to help protect America’s youth.

The Kids Off Social Media Act represents a bipartisan effort to modernize child online safety laws in response to mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health challenges among young people. By setting clear age restrictions, limiting data exploitation, strengthening enforcement, and improving school-based protections, the legislation seeks to restore parental control and prioritize the well-being of America’s children.

###

Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov