1. Introduction

The increasing ubiquity of social media has coincided with a sharp decline in youth mental health—particularly among the youngest teens since 2012. A growing body of research suggests a strong correlation between heavy social media use and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk factors. Alarmingly, studies have found that excessive use among girls is more strongly linked to depression than even substance abuse, such as heroin.

As digital platforms continue to evolve, the responsibility to safeguard children online grows ever more urgent. Social media algorithms, unmoderated content, and the lack of structural protections present an environment ripe for harm.

● Increases in Depression, Self‐Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms

2. Legislative Landscape

United States

• Utah (2023): Requires age verification and parental consent for users under 18.
• Florida (2024): Bans users under 14 and mandates parental consent for those under 18.

Global Policies

• Belgium (2018): Parental consent required under age 13.
• France (2023): Consent required under 15.
• Australia (2024): Prohibits social media use for children under 16.

These global actions reflect a shifting consensus: stronger legal safeguards are necessary to protect minors from digital harms.

• Social Media Bans: Balancing the Rights of Youth, Parents, and Governments
• What countries do to regulate children's social media access | Reuters
• A social media ban in Australia for children under 16 is first in the world

3. Connecticut’s Current Framework

SB00003 (2023) introduced a baseline for youth digital protection:

• Regulates minors’ personal data.
• Established the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

However, gaps remain:

• Inadequate age verification protocols.
• No mandated parental control infrastructure.
• Lacks a technical roadmap for enforcement and oversight.
• CT SB00003 | 2023 | General Assembly | LegiScan

4. Proposed Technological Solutions

Platform-Level Requirements

• Child-specific versions of social media with:
  • Algorithm-free content feeds.
  • Time limits and usage caps.
  • Enhanced safety and reporting features.

Device-Level Requirements

• “Child Mode” smartphones with:
  • Mandatory parental dashboards.
  • Real-time content/activity monitoring.
  • Emergency lockdown features.

Helpful Parental Control Links

• IOS
• Android and Google Play

Verification and Control

• Multifactor age verification systems.
• Secure parental authorization mechanisms.
• Privacy-preserving AI models to estimate user age.

5. Policy Recommendations

1. Amend SB00003 to require technology-driven safety features.
2. Mandate development of age-appropriate platform versions.
3. Enforce parental control implementation across devices and platforms.
4. Establish regulatory oversight to ensure compliance.
5. Promote mental health and safety as top priorities in Connecticut’s digital policy.

Conclusion

Protecting children online is no longer optional—it is a moral imperative. By combining legislative reform with technological innovation, Connecticut can lead the nation in creating a digital environment that values safety, well-being, and responsible design. A comprehensive response must prioritize mental health while enabling parents, platforms, and policymakers to work together toward a safer future for all children.