Parents Protest Meta's Online Child Safety Practices

Families grieving the loss of their children to online harms protested outside Meta's Manhattan office. They demanded stronger child safety measures on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The protest included 45 families whose children suffered from issues ranging from sextortion to cyberbullying and drug sales facilitated through social media.

Holding photos of their children and signs reading "Meta profits, kids pay the price," the parents called for accountability. They criticized Meta's response to reports of harmful content and its lobbying efforts against the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

Meta's Response and Ongoing Concerns

Meta spokesperson Sophie Vogel highlighted the company's efforts to improve teen safety, including Teen Accounts with restricted access and contact limitations. Vogel also mentioned a new online safety curriculum developed with Childhelp. However, Sarah Gardner, CEO of child safety advocacy group Heat Initiative, argued these measures are insufficient.

Gardner cited concerns about adults contacting minors through post comments and the ease with which young users can access harmful content. She also criticized Meta's shift towards community notes for content moderation, suggesting it reduces the company's responsibility.

Personal Stories Highlight the Impact

Perla Mendoza, whose son died after purchasing drugs on Snapchat, shared her story. She reported the dealer's account to Snap but claims it took eight months for action. Mendoza stated the dealer also used Facebook and Instagram to sell drugs, highlighting the interconnected nature of online platforms.

The protest follows recent whistleblower testimony about Meta targeting teens with ads based on their emotional state and the 2024 "Facebook Files" revealing the company's awareness of Instagram's negative impact on teen girls' mental health.

Demands for Change

The organizers, including ParentsTogether Action and Design It for Us, delivered an open letter to Mark Zuckerberg with over 10,000 signatures. The letter demands that Meta:

  • Stop promoting harmful content to children, including sexualizing content, hate speech, and content promoting disordered eating.
  • Prevent predators from using Meta platforms to target children.
  • Provide transparent and rapid responses to reports of harmful content and interactions.

Gardner emphasized the need for Zuckerberg to understand the depth of parental concern regarding children's online safety and the desire for greater accountability from tech companies.

"I think what [Mark Zuckerberg] needs to see...is to show that parents are really upset about this...and thinking, ‘I don’t want Mark Zuckerberg making decisions about my child’s online safety,’" Gardner said.