Rep. Craig Introduces Bill to Require Social Media Companies to Keep Students off Their Platforms During School Hours

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation to require social media companies to block access to their platforms on K-12 campuses during school hours. Her No Social Media at School Act would put the onus on social media companies to keep kids off their platforms while at school. 

Under Rep. Craig’s bill, states’ attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have the power to enforce the law in the case that the companies fail to comply. The No Social Media at School Act also provides exemptions for public safety, nonprofits and educational purposes, allowing teachers to use educational platforms in their curricula.

“We all know how negatively social media is impacting our students’ mental health, attention span and ability to focus – especially at school,” said Rep. Craig. “Schools should be places for learning and socializing, not scrolling. While Minnesota's teachers and administrators work hard to create a safe and engaging environment for our students, we have to hold Big Tech accountable for how their platforms are impacting our kids – and my bill requiring tech companies to block access to social media during school hours is a start.” 

Rep. Craig has led the charge to hold social media companies accountable for the impacts their platforms have on Minnesota kids. In July, she reintroduced her Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act to stop drug trafficking on social media platforms and help law enforcement counter the sale of illicit drugs online. Her bipartisan bill requires social media companies and other communication service providers to alert federal law enforcement when illicit drug-dealing and distribution occurs on their platforms.

You can view Rep, Craig’s full interview with Morning Joe here.

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