Senator Britt Demands Congressional Action on TikTok's Mental Health Impact on Youth

Senator Katie Britt criticizes TikTok's disregard for the mental health of young users, calling for Congressional intervention. Citing a lawsuit and internal documents revealing the platform's harmful effects, Britt stresses the need for legislation to protect adolescents from social media's dangers.

Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., has strongly criticized TikTok following the release of internal communications that suggest the platform ignores the mental health risks it poses to its young users. The revelations, brought to light by an NPR report, prompted Britt to call for immediate Congressional action.

“There’s no question that the mental health crisis gripping our country is deeply connected to the growing use of social media among children and teens,” Britt stated. She further condemned social media companies like TikTok, accusing them of exploiting adolescents for financial gain while disregarding the potential risks. “These internal documents are appalling,” she said. “It’s clear from this reporting that Congress must step up to protect our children, as Big Tech continues to put profits before people.”

The NPR report centers around a lawsuit filed by Kentucky’s Attorney General, part of a broader multi-state investigation involving 14 attorneys general. The lawsuit claims that TikTok knowingly designed its platform to be addictive, with users potentially becoming hooked in just 35 minutes. TikTok's internal research allegedly shows that prolonged use can result in serious mental health issues, including heightened anxiety and decreased empathy.

Britt has prioritized shielding minors from the harmful effects of social media in her legislative agenda. Earlier this year, in May, she co-sponsored the bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act with Senators Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, aimed at limiting social media access for minors. She also backed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which passed the Senate this summer. Most recently, Britt co-introduced the Stop the Scroll Act with Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., which calls for mental health warning labels on social media platforms, aligning with recommendations from the Surgeon General.