Senate Hearing Focuses on Growing Risks of Smartphones and AI for Youth

Experts warn of alarming trends in youth screen time and mental health, urging action on bills to curb tech's harmful effects

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the growing influence of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence on children during a recent hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. Experts testified that children ages 8 to 12 now average more than five hours of daily screen use, while teenagers often exceed eight hours a day. Several speakers suggested that increased device use coincides with higher reported levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among adolescents.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted how rapidly evolving digital technologies may be reshaping childhood in ways that families and schools are still struggling to understand. Lawmakers and witnesses linked excessive screen time and social media use to issues like reduced attention spans, social withdrawal, and mental health challenges among youth, sparking debate over potential federal action to address these concerns.

The details

Throughout the hearing, senators and witnesses pointed to rising screen time among youth as a central issue. Experts testified that children ages 8 to 12 now average more than five hours of daily screen use, while teenagers often exceed eight hours a day. Several speakers suggested that increased device use coincides with higher reported levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among adolescents, though they noted that many factors contribute to youth mental health trends. The discussion soon shifted to proposed federal action, with senators outlining the Kids Off Social Media Act, a bill designed to limit access for younger users and place new restrictions on algorithm-driven feeds. Lawmakers argued that existing platform policies often rely on voluntary enforcement, while the proposed legislation would create clearer legal standards.

  • The Senate social media kids hearing took place in February 2026.

The players

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee

The committee that held the hearing on the growing risks of smartphones and AI for youth.

Jean Twenge

A psychologist from San Diego State University who provided research testimony linking social media use to depression trends among adolescents.

Jared Cooney Horvath

A neuroscientist from LME Global who testified about the cognitive development and learning impacts of technology in schools.

Emily Cherkin

An educator and author who offered a broader perspective on how technology is reshaping childhood experiences.

Dr. Jenny Radesky

A pediatrician from the University of Michigan Medical School and the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence who focused her testimony on engagement-based design and youth digital ecosystems.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This hearing exposed alarming trends in youth screen time and mental health, with experts urging action on bills to curb tech's harmful effects on children. The discussion highlighted the challenge policymakers face as they attempt to regulate rapidly evolving digital tools and platforms.