On Tuesday, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy issued a report warning of social media’s potential harms to children. The report notes that social media has both positive and negative impacts on children and adolescents, and urges lawmakers and regulators to take immediate action to increase privacy and content protections for children online.

“As the Surgeon General highlights in his report, social media can create positive connections between young people and peers who share their identity, interests, and abilities,” said Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich. “As lawmakers debate new digital safeguards, we shouldn’t trade away user privacy by requiring everyone to verify their age, or shut off access to supportive online communities for young people.”

Chamber of Progress has backed federal proposals for additional research into the impact of social media on children, including the Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act, which passed earlier this year, authorizing NIH to conduct a research program on the impact of digital media on child development.

A recent Pew study found that majorities of teens say social media provides them with a space for connection, creativity and support. When asked about the overall impact of social media on them personally, more teens responded that its effect was mostly positive (32%) than those who said it was mostly negative (9%). Many respondents credited social media for developing deeper friendships and connections. 

Chamber of Progress has opposed state and federal legislation that would require age verification and prevent minors from accessing online platforms.

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Chamber of Progress (progresschamber.org) is a center-left tech industry policy coalition promoting technology’s progressive future.  We work to ensure that all Americans benefit from technological leaps, and that the tech industry operates responsibly and fairly.  

Our corporate partners do not have a vote on or veto over our positions. We do not speak for individual partner companies and remain true to our stated principles even when our partners disagree.