Cancelling Social Media
On Jan. 24, 2024, the House passed a bill, by a vote of 106-13, to prohibit social media platforms from allowing young teens to have an account. Furthermore, the bill requires everyone else to verify their age.
The bill is opposed by those who argue that it infringes on the First Amendment and parental rights.
The vote was about prohibiting children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms, regardless of parental approval. The bill’s reasoning for this is because “it’s taking over kids growing up” time.
Florida is one of the several states that has taken action to limit teenager’s exposure to the internet.
Do I Agree?
Yes, I agree with the House. I agree with them because social media is not safe.
It has your location on where some young teens might not know or know how to turn it off. Not to mention that you could think you talking to someone you know and it can be a different person.
Plus, it can have kids receiving bad images. Furthermore, there are ads that tells kids what to do; not all of which are safe or healthy. Meaning, some kids might follow behind it not knowing its bad.
Why is social media bad?
The internet is bad for youth aged 16 and younger, because it influence them to do bad things. Like harm themselves and follow bad trends. Or kids cyberbully others over the internet to a point where they want to harm themselves. Furthermore, cyberbully makes kids emotional stress and to have low self esteem.
Social media (or the internet in general) allows young teens to post and see bad images. Such as, nudes, violence, and more. This is not healthy for young teens because things can sometimes get to far. Which could lead to sex trafficking and more.
Too much use of social media by young teens can cause sleep deprivation. Which can also be cause by anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness.
Additionally, 25 percent teen are bully and 43 percent are bully online. Furthermore, 58 percent of teens have not informed anyone about them bully online.
How to fix this?
Parents can fix this in many ways. If parents feel like there’s no solutions from getting there child off they phone then they shouldn’t have an phone.
Set boundaries when giving them the phone. Furthermore, have parent control over the hone so they wont be allowed to download or see anything too far our of their lead. Not to mention, tell them certain important information are to stay private.
By Alana Wilson
Sources:
ABC NEWS – Florida House of Representatives approves bill to ban social media for kids under 16 by Katie Kindelan
The Guardian – Florida advances law banning children under 16 from using social media by Sam Levine
Top and Feature image Courtesy of Ajay Suresh Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Insert image Courtesy of Rafael Torales Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
