Utah has become the first state in the US to pass laws aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the harmful effects of social media apps. The two laws signed by Republican Governor Spencer Cox require parental consent for minors to use social media platforms like TikTok, prohibit children under 18 from using social media between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., and mandate age verification for anyone wanting to use social media in the state.
The legislation also opens the door to lawsuits on behalf of children claiming social media caused them harm, and requires parents to have access to their child’s social media accounts. The laws are expected to take effect in March 2024, but tech companies are expected to sue before then.
Growing Concerns About the Harmful Effects of Social Media
Utah’s laws reflect growing concerns among lawmakers about the negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health, well-being, and privacy. The state is not alone in its efforts to regulate social media use by minors, as similar proposals are being advanced in other states. Lawmakers are calling for measures that would protect children from addictive platforms and safeguard their data privacy.
Pushback from Tech Companies and Digital Privacy Groups
The laws have received pushback from technology companies and digital privacy groups, with some arguing that they infringe on teens’ rights to free speech and privacy. Critics say the laws are unnecessary, as federal law already prohibits companies from collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent.
Enforcement Concerns
One of the biggest concerns with the new regulations is how states plan to enforce them. Companies are already prohibited from collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent under federal law, but children have been shown to easily get around the bans. There are fears that the new regulations may be difficult to enforce, and that they could end up doing more harm than good.
Protecting Children from the Negative Effects of Social Media
While social media can provide children and teenagers with access to a wealth of information and opportunities for connection, there are concerns about the negative effects of excessive social media use. These include cyberbullying, addiction, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and exposure to inappropriate content.
The laws passed by Utah seek to protect children from the potential harm caused by social media, and provide parents with more control over their children’s online activities. By requiring parental consent, age verification, and social media account access, the laws aim to give parents greater oversight of their children’s online behavior, and help protect them from harmful content and interactions.
The Future of Social Media Regulation
Utah’s laws are just the latest in a series of efforts to regulate social media use by minors, and they are likely to be followed by other states. As concerns about the negative effects of social media continue to grow, lawmakers will likely continue to push for measures that protect children and teenagers from harm, while also balancing their right to free speech and privacy. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe and healthy online environment for all users.
