When lawmakers began investigating the impact of social media on children in 2021, Zamaan Qureshi was captivated. Having witnessed his friends struggle with mental health issues like eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, which he believed were worsened by platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, Qureshi felt compelled to take action. However, Qureshi was frustrated to find that the voices of young people who had grown up with technology were largely missing from the debate. In response, Qureshi and a group of students formed Design It For Us, an advocacy group focused on bringing the perspectives of young people to the forefront of the conversation on online safety.
This coalition of youth advocacy and activist organizations has become a powerful force in shaping legislation that could transform how the younger generation engages with technology. As proposals at both the federal and state level seek to impose stricter regulations on children’s online activity, these young advocates have quickly mobilized. They have met with top decision-makers, gained support from the White House and British royalty, and influenced legislative proposals. In fact, they were successful in persuading federal lawmakers to scale back parental control measures in one major bill.
However, despite their increased prominence, these activists still face challenges in being taken seriously by policymakers. They want to be seen as meaningful collaborators rather than mere tokens at the table. Design It For Us has participated in numerous meetings with House and Senate leaders, White House officials, and other advocates. They even testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighting the urgency of protecting the next generation from the potential harms of social media.
One of the key challenges faced by these activists is the preference given to technical or political expertise over the lived experience and understanding of digital natives. Youth activists argue that their unique perspective, gained through a lifetime of using technology, should be valued and considered in shaping policies around online safety.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that those in power are starting to listen. Sam Hiner, a college student and co-founder of a youth-oriented policy group, successfully worked with lawmakers and children’s safety groups to introduce state legislation preventing platforms from using minors’ data to target them with content. Hiner’s efforts led to the Social Media Algorithmic Control in Information Technology Act, which now has over 60 sponsors.
In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle awarded grants to youth advocacy groups like Design It For Us, recognizing the important work they are doing. The increased support from influential figures has empowered these young activists, giving them a greater sense of legitimacy and validation.
Their lobbying efforts have also yielded results in Washington, D.C. Design It For Us led a week of action to urge senators to support bills expanding federal privacy protections for younger users and creating a legal obligation for tech platforms to prevent harm to children. Their advocacy played a crucial role in ensuring that the legislation focused on protecting children without infringing on their privacy or disproportionately affecting minority groups.
In summary, youth activists have emerged as a potent force in shaping laws and regulations regarding children’s online safety. They are demanding that their voices be heard and considered by policymakers. Their firsthand experience and understanding of technology’s impact make them valuable contributors to the conversation, and their efforts are starting to pay off with increased support and recognition from those in power.
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