WATCH: Schatz calls for passage of bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawai‘i, is one of four senators leading the charge on a bipartisan effort calling on U.S. Congress to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.

The measure would keep young children — those younger than 13 years old — off social media and protect teenagers from the harmful impacts of algorithmic targeting.

Schatz is joined in his push by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama, both Republicans, as well as fellow Democrat U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

It also comes following Australia’s recent implementation of a social media ban for children. A number of other countries and at least 10 U.S. states also are considering similar measures.

“Australia is stepping up to protect kids from the addictive and harmful content being constantly fed to them on social media,” said Schatz during a recent speech on the Senate floor. “It’s now time for Congress to do the same and pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.”

A number of other countries and at least ten U.S. states are also considering similar proposals.

“There is no good reason for an 8- or 9-year-old to be on Instagram or TikTok,” Schatz continued. “And until companies are mandated by law to enforce some basic rules and stop profiting off of children, they will continue padding their bottom lines.”

Schatz last week took to the Senate floor to call for passage of the bipartisan bill and outlined the strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children.