Do you agree with these new rules for social media?
Polls
29th March 2023
THE state of Utah in the US has become the first to make laws that limit teenagers’ access to social media.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed new laws that mean children can only get a social media account if their parents agree to it. The rules also state that parents will be able to see everything their children post online, including private messages.
Other new rules say that social media companies can’t collect a child’s information and use it for targeted advertising. Children’s access to their social media accounts will also be blocked from 10:30pm until 6:30am, although parents can change the exact timings.
Governor Cox said: “We’re no longer willing to let social media companies continue to harm the mental health of our youth. As leaders, and parents, we have a responsibility to protect our young people.”
Five other US states are considering bringing in similar rules, with the idea being that it will hold social media companies to account and protect children.
The new rules are due to start in Utah in March 2024. What do you think? Is it a good idea, or a step too far?
8 Comments
aces10 · 1 year ago
I think this is 100% a huge positive step forward. Too many teenagers are too stuck to social media, and sometimes their parents don’t know what they are accessing. On the other hand, growing teenagers probably want more freedom, and would hate to have their privacy invaded by their parents viewing their posts and messages.
byzbee33 · 1 year ago
Yes I think its a great idea, and other countries will follow, but I hope that you all have the same standards, so people know that children need to do homework first and then social media.
nessness · 1 year ago
I believe this is a really positive step forward because if their child is seeing inappropriate things or posting inappropriate things it is really important they know that and can have a talk with their child to see if they understand it is inappropriate stuff
coolcats · 1 year ago
I think this is partly a good idea. Children should use social media properly and some don't. Hopefully this plan will stop this
lig · 1 year ago
I agree with some of the rules, but I don't think there should be a time limit, especially that early. I also don't think that parents should see your private messages. I get why they are doing it, but there might be other ways. I think it is much step too far.
lovelymrj · 1 year ago
Yes, this will be a big opportunity for teenagers to find their strength. They are literally addicted to their phone
duolingo · 1 year ago
this is a brilliant idea because, if your parent/s don't know what you are doing on social media, you could be being cyber bullied and they couldn't help.
pinkyfox · 1 year ago
I agree with everything but the fact that parents can see PRIVATE messages