Hawai'i Senator Brian Schatz is at the forefront of a movement to protect young people from the potential harms of social media, echoing recent actions taken by Australia. Senator Schatz is the lead sponsor of the bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act, a bill that proposes significant restrictions on children's access to social media platforms. The legislation, introduced in the Senate, seeks to limit the ability of children under 13 to create or maintain social media accounts and ban targeted advertising for those under 17.
The bill's core tenets mirror some of the elements of Australia's new law. As reported by CNN, Australia's ban, which went into effect on December 9, 2025, prevents children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, and has faced both enthusiastic support from parents and pushback from tech companies. The debate has ignited around the world regarding the impact of social media on children's mental health, with many studies highlighting the correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of depression and anxiety as documented by Senator Schatz's official website. Support for the bill also comes from various groups, with a recent survey showing that over 90% of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media according to Count on Mothers.
For Hawai'i's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, the potential passage of the Kids Off Social Media Act carries important implications. If enacted, the law could reshape digital marketing strategies, requiring businesses to reassess their approach to reaching younger demographics. Furthermore, the legislation could influence the growth and development of tech startups in Hawai'i, particularly those focused on social media or online content creation. Professionals in relevant fields, from digital marketers to educators, would need to adapt to the new legal landscape by prioritizing compliance and focusing on age-appropriate content. Additionally, parents and guardians in Hawai'i may seek new social media alternatives for their keiki, which could bring about new business opportunities.
The Kids Off Social Media Act, if passed, is likely to be a complex issue in the coming years, requiring ongoing discussions on privacy, free speech, and the role of government in regulating the digital realm. As the debate continues, the experiences in Australia and the ongoing research of the Stanford University's Social Media Lab as found on CNN will provide crucial insights into the long-term impacts of such legislation.
