WPBN: A new law that would require parental consent for children under 16 to use social media sites has been submitted in the Statehouse.
The goal of the legislation, which was written by Republican State Senator Mike Bohacek, is to shield young people from the negative psychological impacts of social media.
Bohacek has underlined how important this approach is in tackling problems like teenage suicide, which he thinks can be lessened by restricting exposure to these platforms’ harmful consequences.
Social media companies would have to have verifiable parental or guardian consent before letting anyone under 16 use their sites, according to the proposed bill.
There would be severe consequences for noncompliance; businesses might be fined up to $250,000 for each infraction. Although total compliance might not be achievable, Bohacek acknowledged that the legislation is a crucial first step in resolving the issue and expressed confidence in the bill’s ability to effect positive change.
The measure would go into force in July if it were passed.
The plan has generated discussion and raised issues on how to strike a balance between kids’ rights to free speech and safety. The ACLU of Indiana’s executive director, Chris Daley, contended that the bill would violate constitutional rights.
Daley asserts that the right to free speech—which includes the capacity to express oneself and obtain information on social media platforms—is protected by both the Indiana State Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
Daley noted that the limitations outlined in the measure may violate adolescents’ First Amendment rights because courts have repeatedly upheld that they have these rights as well.
Other states, like Florida and Tennessee, have passed similar legislation to limit children’ access to social media. However, due to the controversial nature of these measures, these laws have been challenged in court.
Although there are rules in place to shield children from sexually explicit information on the internet, expanding these safeguards to include access to social media in general presents new moral and legal dilemmas.
Jeffrey McCall, a professor of communications at DePauw University, presented an argument in support of enacting laws governing children’s usage of social media.
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McCall, who teaches First Amendment rights, recognized the impact social media platforms have on society and voiced worry about how they affect youth.
He pointed out that children’s developing brains are more vulnerable to the harmful impacts of social media, even though adults may be more suited to manage its dynamics and content. McCall is in favor of putting safeguards in place to shield younger users from these impacts.
Although no law is flawless, Bohacek is still hopeful that the bill will be passed because it is a significant step in tackling the dangers of children using social media.
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Should the measure become law, it might serve as a model for other states and further the national dialogue on the relationship between technology, mental health, and constitutional rights.
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