Multiple U.S. states are pushing bans on social media for minors, framed as child safety measures. While supporters cite concerns about children's mental health and safety, the evidence on whether these bans actually work is weak or inconclusive — research hasn't shown they meaningfully reduce online harms or improve mental health outcomes. Critics also point out these bans often require age and ID verification, which raises surveillance concerns and can limit kids' access to online support resources. The Trump administration has pushed back on UK social media restrictions, warning they could burden U.S. tech companies, which adds another layer to how these policies play out in practice — they're not purely about child welfare, but also involve business and regulatory concerns.