The Louisiana Legislature's recent Commerce meeting on May 12, 2025, highlighted growing concerns about the impact of social media on children. A key discussion point centered around the addictive nature of these platforms and their potential harm to young users.

One legislator shared personal experiences raising teenagers, emphasizing that despite efforts by social media companies to implement controls for users aged 13 and older, children often circumvent these restrictions by creating fake accounts. The speaker recounted instances from their own family, illustrating how easily children can access social media platforms, even when they are technically too young.

The legislator expressed concern over the lack of effective oversight and the need for more robust measures to protect children online. They noted that while their own children were relatively well-behaved on social media, many peers engage in inappropriate behavior, which can lead to serious consequences. An example was shared where a child had to apologize in person for a rude comment made online, highlighting the real-world implications of digital interactions.

The discussion underscored the importance of addressing the challenges posed by social media and the need for legislative action to safeguard children from its potentially harmful effects. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further exploration of regulations and educational initiatives would be necessary to tackle these pressing issues.