As moms, we work tirelessly to keep our children safe. We screen their foods, vet their friendships, and watch over their every step — but what about the unseen threats lurking behind the apps they use every day?
Recent revelations show that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, allowed its AI chatbots to engage in sexualized conversations with young users, even when those users clearly stated they were underage. This isn’t some abstract “tech problem.” This is a direct failure by social media companies — the platforms we are told are safe and “family-friendly.”
Instead of prioritizing child safety, companies like Meta are putting growth and engagement metrics ahead of basic protections. They are unleashing powerful AI tools with grossly inadequate oversight, putting our children at serious risk of exposure to explicit and harmful content.
This is not a mistake. This is a choice.
Meta and its peers have had years (and endless resources) to anticipate these dangers. Yet they continue to ignore the real-world consequences in favor of profits. Children are being hurt in the process.
As moms and parents, we cannot stay silent.
Here’s what we must demand:
- Accountability from Meta and all social media companies — no more hiding behind excuses or half-hearted “safety initiatives.”
- Transparency about how AI and chatbots interact with young users.
- Legally enforced safeguards that protect minors first, not after public outrage forces change.
- Stricter age restrictions and real enforcement — not just a “checkbox” saying a child is over 13.
- Real consequences for platforms that endanger children, not just fines they can easily pay off.
And in our homes:
- Educate and empower our children to recognize unsafe interactions online.
- Delay and limit access to social media as long as possible.
- Stay loud — our collective voices can push lawmakers and companies to act.
Meta and other social media giants have shown us where their priorities lie. It’s up to us to fight back.
If Meta can develop and utilize the technology to have AI speak sexually to minors, it can surely develop and utilize technology to do age verification.
Our children’s safety should never be optional. It must be the standard.