Caution Before Brain‑harm Policy

Claims that social media 'hurts kids’ brains' are now influential in policy and public debate, but the underlying neuroscience and epidemiology are mixed; policymakers should require robust, causal evidence before adopting sweeping tech restrictions or age‑gate regulations. Framing the debate as 'brain harm' risks fast policy responses that outpace the data and may trigger unintended surveillance or censorship measures. — If accepted, the idea would push regulators and schools to demand stronger causal evidence before enacting restrictive or punitive measures aimed at youth social‑media use.