In the wake of Charlie Kirk's tragic murder last week, political divisions in the United States have become more pronounced. A Democratic senator remarked that political violence has become "baked in" to American culture, with few showing interest in changing this trend. Following the announcement of Kirk's death, reactions ranged from grief to celebration, highlighting the deep polarization in American society.

Many individuals, who claim to defend democracy, have openly celebrated the assassination, while the right has responded with a crackdown on dissenting opinions. This backlash has included attempts to cancel those who criticized Kirk, culminating in ABC's cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel's show after he made controversial remarks about Kirk's alleged killer.

Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized that there is "no unity" with those who justify Kirk's assassination, yet there is a potential area for agreement: the need to reduce children's internet usage. Both sides of the political spectrum could unite in efforts to limit kids' exposure to harmful online content, including graphic videos and toxic online environments.

The 22-year-old suspect in Kirk's murder exhibited a strong disdain for Kirk, as indicated by chat logs shared by authorities. These logs suggest that he was deeply immersed in online culture, with messages on bullet casings referencing obscure video games and internet jokes. While the internet does not inherently turn children into mass shooters, it does not appear to contribute positively to their well-being.

Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2021 to 2023 indicates that 50% of youth aged 12 to 17 spend four or more hours on screens daily. Among these teens, about one in four reported experiencing anxiety and depression within a two-week period, a rate more than double that of peers with lower screen time. Excessive screen use has also been linked to sleep disturbances, irregular routines, decreased physical activity, and reduced social support, all of which can lead to feelings of isolation and anger.

Parents across the political spectrum share a common goal: to alleviate the struggles their children face due to excessive internet use. Before targeting specific ideologies that may influence youth, it is crucial to address the broader issue of screen time and its negative effects. Whether they are liberal or conservative, parents want their children to engage in healthier activities, such as playing outside instead of being glued to screens.

Political leaders seeking to bridge the divide between left and right might find common ground in advocating for reduced internet usage among children.