A Wisconsin state representative is presenting a bill Wednesday allowing for more social media oversight from parents. The bill will propose parental controls, among other tools, aiming to keep minors safe in the “Wild West” of the digital world.
“Well, right now, our parents are virtually helpless,” said State Assembly Representative David Steffen. “I am working to provide some tools, some solutions for parents as well as accountability for social media companies so their children are safe.”
Rep. Steffen is proposing a bill that would allow parental controls for social media accounts started by their children under the age of 18. Provisions include a “sleep mode” from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and the ability to monitor the account. The bill would also include safeguards for accounts held by minors, such as the inability for non-friend users to message kids.
“There’s going to be a greater opportunity, unlike in the past, parents will have full access guaranteed by social media companies to the accounts of minors,” said Rep. Steffen.
The goal behind the bill is to create more safeguards for kids in an arena Rep. Steffen says routinely lacks them. He links the decline of youth mental health and the rise of anxiety and depression to social media use.
The bill is similar to one signed into law in Utah back in March, which was the first social media legislation of its kind. Steffen says if passed, he would have the bill take effect months after the Utah law, slating for a date sometime after March of 2024. Steffen says he wants to give the state and social media companies time to prepare and a chance to see how the law plays out in another state.
As for the near future of the bill, Steffen is planning testimonies from parents with first-hand knowledge of just how dangerous the internet can be for kids.
Source : NBC
