The Digital Dilemma: Why Kids Need Better Online Protection

The internet is a big part of kids' lives today. Most teens have smartphones and use social media. Even young children have their own devices. This raises serious concerns about their safety online. The dangers are real. Kids face issues like cyberbullying, sextortion, and exposure to inappropriate content. New technologies, like AI, make things even worse. They can create fake images and videos that harm children. These problems are not new. Experts have been talking about them for years. Yet, Congress has not taken strong action to protect kids. This inaction has consequences. Law enforcement struggles to prosecute predators. Social media platforms often fail to remove harmful content. Parents worry about their kids' safety online. Many support stricter rules for social media use. Some companies are trying to help. Meta, Apple, and Google have introduced new safety features. But these steps are not enough. State laws are a start, but they are not enough to protect kids nationwide. Federal action is needed. The public wants change. Many states have passed laws to curb the addictive features of social media and protect minors from harmful content. The Supreme Court also seems to support stricter regulations. Congress has the public's backing and the political will to act. So, why the delay? The time for talk is over. Kids need real protection online. Congress must step up and pass strong laws to keep children safe in the digital world. Families are waiting. They need action, not more hearings.