Social Media Victims Law Center supports age-appropriate design bill in Washington

On April 8, 2025, the Vermont House Commerce Committee convened to discuss Senate Bill 69, known as the Age Appropriate Design Code. This legislation aims to enhance protections for children using social media platforms, addressing growing concerns about the impact of these platforms on youth mental health and safety.

The meeting featured a poignant trailer for the documentary "Can't Look Away," which highlights the devastating consequences of social media addiction among adolescents. The film includes testimonies from parents who have lost children to fentanyl overdoses linked to social media interactions, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability from tech companies. One parent expressed the heart-wrenching reality of finding their child’s lifeless body, attributing the tragedy to the addictive nature of platforms like Snapchat.

Laura Marquez Garrett, an attorney with the Social Media Victims Law Center, spoke in support of SB 69, linking it to broader legislative efforts aimed at regulating social media. She underscored the necessity of creating a safer online environment for children, stating that the current design of social media platforms often prioritizes profit over user safety. Garrett argued that these platforms are engineered to be addictive, which can lead to harmful behaviors among young users.

The discussions highlighted the legal challenges faced by families seeking justice for their children’s experiences with social media. Garrett noted that previous legal barriers have made it difficult for victims to hold companies accountable, but SB 69 represents a significant step toward changing that dynamic.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this critical legislation, the implications for child safety online remain at the forefront of the conversation. The meeting underscored a growing recognition of the need for regulatory measures that prioritize the well-being of young users in an increasingly digital world. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the bill effectively addresses the concerns raised by advocates and families alike.