
Will This State Implement Social Media Restrictions for Kids?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Indiana lawmakers are considering putting parental controls in place for young people on social media.
Senate Bill 11 “requires a social media operator to restrict a minor user’s access to social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor user,” per the Indiana General Assembly’s website, defining “minor user” as anyone under the age of 16.
The bill would also allow individuals and the state itself to take legal action against social media platforms that don’t implement parental consent features.
The author of the bill, Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) told the Indianapolis Star, “It’s a really difficult topic, but it’s something that’s really, really a problem. There’s already empirical studies about how bad this is hurting our children. … I haven’t heard a single parent [say] this is bad idea yet.”
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Parents would be in charge of authenticating and approving their kids’ social media accounts, so it’s not a true ban, Bohacek explained, adding that “if you feel your child is mature enough and you want to supervise them,” they can be on social media.
Indiana isn’t the only state that is looking into restricting social media use for young people.
On Jan. 1, a law went into effect in Tennessee, “requiring all Tennessee children under the age of 18 to obtain parental permission before creating a social media account,” according to KFox14.
Senator Jack Johnson, who co-sponsored the Protecting Minors from Social Media Act, said, “It was important for parents to have the tools necessary to protect their kids from some of the very, very bad things that they can encounter on social media.”
Florida is also considering putting similar legislation in place for kids 14 and under. It is still being debated, with a hearing set for February to determine whether or not it will go into effect.
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