Social Networks Agree to Be Rated On Their Teen Safety Efforts

Slashdot
by EditorDavid
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Major social media platforms including Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Snap, and others have agreed to be evaluated on their efforts to protect青少年 safety online. The initiative, called Safe Online Standards (S.O.S.), was launched by the Mental Health Coalition, a group focused on reducing stigma around mental health issues. Independent experts will assess companies based on criteria such as content moderation, platform design, mental health resources, and enforcement of safety rules. The S.O.S. program aims to provide transparent ratings for online platforms, with color-coded badges indicating performance. Companies that meet high standards will receive a blue shield badge, while those falling short will get a red rating. The system is designed to hold tech companies accountable and help users identify which platforms prioritize teen safety. In addition to Meta, TikTok, and Snap, other major platforms like Discord, YouTube, Pinterest, Roblox, and Twitch have also committed to participating in the evaluations. The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health. Antigone Davis, Meta’s vice president of global safety, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in protecting users. The ratings are expected to encourage other tech companies to adopt similar measures, potentially leading to improved safety standards across the industry. For readers
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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/15/2026