JAKARTA - Major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, and Roblox have agreed to follow an independent assessment system regarding their impact on the mental health of adolescents. This initiative is under the Safe Online Standards (S.O.S.) program led by the Mental Health Coalition.
The program is designed like a public report for digital applications. Unlike the company's internal policy, S.O.S. uses a simple color-based rating system so that parents and users can easily understand. Each platform will get one of three categories: Use Carefully, Partial Protection, or Does Not Meet Standards.
The assessment is carried out by an independent panel containing global experts who evaluate product design, algorithms, and how companies handle sensitive content such as self-harm and suicide issues. This program runs without funding from technology companies or governments to maintain the objectivity of the results.
This move comes amid increasing pressure on social media companies, including lawsuits and threats of restrictions in a number of countries. The merger of Meta and TikTok is seen as a signal of readiness to be more transparent and accountable for the impact of its products.
Company representatives said the new standard provides a clearer framework for transparency, although they claim to have long developed safety features.
The advertising industry is also monitoring this initiative. Negative ratings have the potential to affect brand image and advertising spending decisions. If a platform is judged to not meet standards, the impact can extend to reputation and revenue.
S.O.S. is expected to be a tool for families to understand digital risks more accurately. So far, rating systems are only available for films and games, while social media platforms do not have a similar reference that is easy to understand.
Snap Inc. is scheduled to undergo an evaluation process in 2026. The first wave of assessment results will be an early indicator of which platforms truly prioritize the well-being of adolescents in the digital space.
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