Amy Neville refers to Kristin Bride as her “soulmate,” but their profound bond was forged on a devastating day: June 23, 2020. On this tragic date, both women lost their teenage sons under tragic circumstances linked to social media. Despite living a thousand miles apart, their sons faced dire consequences from their interactions with digital platforms. Amy’s son, Alexander Neville, tragically succumbed to fentanyl poisoning after being deceived by a drug dealer on Snapchat at the age of 14, while Kristin's son, Carson Bride, died by suicide at 16, following intense cyberbullying.
Initially, when they met through their advocacy efforts, Bride shared that she felt “totally alone.” However, over time, both mothers have witnessed the emergence of a broader movement aimed at protecting children from online harm. This growing advocacy has brought together many parents who, like them, have lost children to the detrimental effects of social media, advocating for stronger regulations and safeguards.
This momentum is underscored by recent developments in the legal landscape. Landmark jury verdicts in 2026 held tech companies accountable for the harms associated with their platforms, signaling a potential shift towards greater accountability. While the U.S. has not yet implemented sweeping social media bans for children akin to those enacted in countries like Australia and Indonesia, Congress has rekindled interest in regulatory measures, striving to address the growing concerns around child safety on social media.
Neville articulated the significance of this momentum, stating, “Moving forward for me, it’s this groundswell. We now have the court of public opinion on our side, and that is powerful.” Her son Alexander was described as “brilliant and intense,” and his loss has fueled her resolve to advocate for change. The impact of Carson Bride on his community was similarly immense; his death underscored the urgent need for protective measures against cyberbullying.
In a commemoration event in Washington, D.C., on the sixth anniversary of both boys' deaths, they were honored alongside 270 other children who died due to online harms. On this occasion, their families were pivotal in advocating for what they are working toward establishing as Social Media Victims Remembrance Day.
Globally, there is a growing recognition of the dangers social media poses, particularly for young and developing minds. Countries such as Australia, the U.K., and Turkey have enacted age restrictions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In the U.S., however, the legislative process has been described as slow, with various attempts to establish comprehensive protections for children struggling to gain traction. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, enacted in 2000, is one of the few existing measures aimed at safeguarding children’s online experiences.
A recent bipartisan proposal called the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act aims to address some of these issues, though critics argue that essential components, such as a “duty of care,” have been stripped away, leaving the onus on tech companies without concrete obligations for child safety. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Marsha Blackburn, who highlighted the need for accountability in Big Tech operations.
Attorney Matthew Bergman, representing plaintiffs in lawsuits against social media companies, noted that while Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has traditionally shielded tech firms from liability, recent legal strategies are beginning to circumvent these protections by emphasizing the deliberate design choices made by companies that prioritize profit over user safety.
Despite some advancements in safety measures introduced by social media platforms, including stricter privacy settings for minors and age-appropriate content restrictions, advocates like Bergman insist that fundamental changes are still necessary. He remarked that while incremental improvements have been observed, the underlying design philosophies that prioritize engagement continue to pose risks.
The former years have witnessed an increasing urgency within the Senate regarding social media's potential harms. Resolutions have been passed annually to designate June 23 as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. During a recent memorial event, senators called for decisive action, with Sen. Klobuchar advocating for amendments to Section 230 and Sen. Blumenthal emphasizing the importance of continuing to fight for the living.
Both Bride and Neville continue to engage closely with legislative developments and advocate for necessary reforms. They remain committed to their cause, with Neville declaring, “If we’re not talking about these things, if we’re not doing something about it, lives are on the line.” Their relentless pursuit of justice illustrates both the urgency and the profound emotional weight carried by those affected by social media harms.
