Utah has recently become the first state in the United States to enforce a parental consent requirement for minors to create and manage social media accounts. This new law, which went into effect on May 5th, 2021, is aimed at protecting children from online predators and cyberbullying.
Under this law, social media companies are required to obtain parental consent before allowing minors to create an account on their platform. This means that if a child under the age of 13 wants to create a social media account, they will need their parent or legal guardian’s permission. For children between the ages of 13 and 18, they can create their own account but will need parental consent to manage it.
The law also requires social media companies to provide clear instructions on how parents can give their consent and how they can revoke it. Companies must also provide parents with information on how to monitor their child’s online activity and how to report any inappropriate behavior.
The Utah law is a significant step forward in protecting children from the dangers of social media. Studies have shown that children who use social media are more likely to experience cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content. By requiring parental consent, Utah is ensuring that parents are aware of their child’s online activity and can take steps to protect them.
However, some critics argue that this law may not be effective in preventing online harm to children. They argue that children can easily lie about their age and create social media accounts without their parent’s knowledge. Additionally, some parents may not be tech-savvy enough to monitor their child’s online activity effectively.
Despite these concerns, the Utah law is a step in the right direction towards protecting children online. It sends a clear message to social media companies that they have a responsibility to protect minors on their platforms. It also encourages parents to be more involved in their child’s online activity and take steps to ensure their safety.
In conclusion, the Utah law requiring parental consent for minors to create and manage social media accounts is a positive step towards protecting children online. While it may not be a perfect solution, it sends a clear message that online safety is a top priority. It is important for other states to follow Utah’s lead and implement similar laws to protect children from the dangers of social media.
