Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the growing influence of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence on children during a recent hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, where experts warned that rapid technological change may be reshaping childhood in ways families and schools are still struggling to understand.

Throughout the hearing, senators and witnesses pointed to rising screen time among youth as a central issue. Experts testified that children ages 8 to 12 now average more than five hours of daily screen use, while teenagers often exceed eight hours a day. Several speakers suggested that increased device use coincides with higher reported levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among adolescents, though they noted that many factors contribute to youth mental health trends.

**NOTE** The sections below follow the hearing in chronological order. Each heading includes a timestamp that corresponds to the embedded video below. Readers can jump to the listed time to hear the full discussion while following along with the written coverage.

(2:21) – Social media’s role in youth mental health, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee (Chairman’s Opening Statement)

Early in the hearing, the chairman framed the broader debate by describing what he called a “phone-based childhood,” arguing that smartphones and social media have fundamentally changed how young people interact with the world. Lawmakers pointed to statistics showing rising daily screen use among teens and expressed concern that many adolescents now spend a significant portion of their waking hours online. The opening remarks linked increased social media exposure to issues such as reduced attention spans, social withdrawal, and mental health struggles, setting the tone for a hearing that repeatedly returned to questions about how digital environments shape youth behavior.

(5:02) – Introduction of Kids Off Social Media Act (COSMA) and platform accountability, U.S. Senate Commerce Committeertificial Intelligence Emerges as a New Concern

The discussion soon shifted from broad concerns to proposed federal action. Senators outlined the Kids Off Social Media Act, a bill designed to limit access for younger users and place new restrictions on algorithm-driven feeds. Lawmakers argued that existing platform policies often rely on voluntary enforcement, while the proposed legislation would create clearer legal standards. The proposal sparked debate about how to balance online safety with personal choice, with some senators emphasizing the difficulty parents face when social media use is already deeply embedded in teen culture.

(6:37) – Algorithm design and engagement concerns on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Ranking Member’s Opening Statement (U.S. Senate Commerce Committee)

During the ranking member’s remarks, attention turned toward the design of modern social media platforms. Lawmakers cited studies suggesting that algorithmic systems are engineered to keep users scrolling, noting that engagement metrics drive much of the industry’s business model. The ranking member argued that young users are especially vulnerable to personalized feeds that continuously adapt to their viewing habits. Senators questioned whether platforms should bear greater responsibility for how their recommendation systems influence what children see online.

(13:24) – Research testimony linking social media use to depression trends, Jean Twenge (San Diego State University)

Psychologist Jean Twenge provided one of the hearing’s most detailed research-focused presentations, describing shifts she observed in national surveys of adolescents beginning in the early 2010s. She testified that reports of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and self-harm behaviors increased during the same period that smartphones and social media became widely adopted. Twenge discussed correlations between heavier online activity and mental health challenges, arguing that reduced in-person interaction and sleep disruptions may contribute to those trends. While acknowledging that technology is not the sole factor influencing youth well-being, she urged lawmakers to consider policy approaches that limit excessive digital exposure.

(18:50) – Cognitive development and technology in schools, Jared Cooney Horvath (LME Global)

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath shifted the conversation toward learning and cognition, arguing that widespread adoption of digital devices in classrooms has not consistently improved academic outcomes. He cited international data suggesting that increased screen use during school hours may correspond with declining attention and reading comprehension scores. Horvath emphasized biological aspects of learning, stating that human brains evolved to absorb information through social interaction rather than screens. His testimony sparked discussion among senators about whether education systems should reconsider the balance between digital tools and traditional teaching methods.

(23:46) – Childhood development concerns and screen culture, Emily Cherkin (Screen Time Consultant / University of Washington)

Educator and author Emily Cherkin offered a broader perspective on how technology is reshaping childhood experiences. She described trends she has observed in schools and families, including reduced physical play and shorter attention spans among younger children. Cherkin argued that the growing presence of screens in both classrooms and homes has altered how kids develop creativity and social skills. While acknowledging that technology plays an important role in modern life, she encouraged policymakers to consider whether current digital environments are aligned with healthy child development.

(29:06) – Engagement-based design and youth digital ecosystems, Dr. Jenny Radesky (University of Michigan Medical School / American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence)

Pediatrician Jenny Radesky focused her testimony on how digital products are built around engagement metrics such as notifications, autoplay features, and personalized feeds. Drawing from clinical research, she described how many apps encourage prolonged use through design choices that prioritize attention and advertising revenue. Radesky urged lawmakers to shift the conversation from screen time alone to the structure of digital platforms themselves, arguing that technology should be designed with children’s developmental needs in mind rather than solely for maximizing engagement.

(35:02) – Advice for parents on delaying social media and smartphones, Witness Panel Discussion

During a question-and-answer segment, senators asked witnesses to provide practical guidance for families navigating the digital landscape. Panelists shared personal experiences as parents while recommending that families delay introducing smartphones and social media when possible. Witnesses emphasized the importance of real-world relationships, clear boundaries around device use, and consistent communication between parents and children. The exchange highlighted the emotional challenges many families face as they try to balance technology’s benefits with concerns about overuse.

(39:00) – Debate over age limits and federal regulation of social media, Senate Questioning Segment

The hearing moved into a policy-focused debate over potential federal standards, including whether the United States should adopt stricter age limits for social media platforms. Some witnesses supported raising minimum age requirements, while others suggested incremental reforms that focus on platform design rather than outright bans. Senators discussed bipartisan efforts to craft legislation that could address online safety without restricting access to digital tools entirely.

(41:02) – AI regulation and chatbot concerns tied to social media platforms, Senate Questioning Segment

In the later portion of the hearing, lawmakers broadened the conversation to include artificial intelligence and emerging digital risks. Witnesses warned that AI chatbots and companion apps may blur the line between human interaction and automated responses, particularly for younger users. Senators raised questions about deepfakes, online safety, and whether existing laws are sufficient to address rapidly evolving technology. The discussion underscored the challenge policymakers face as they attempt to regulate tools that are advancing faster than traditional legislative processes.

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