Urges President and Congress to enact legislation that requires parental consent for children under 13 years of age to use social media and other websites.
If adopted, this resolution could lead to federal legislation reshaping how social media platforms handle young users. The intent is to provide a framework that protects children’s online privacy and empowers parents with control over their children's internet usage. Currently, existing laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) set some guidelines for privacy, but the need for contemporaneous updates is pressing as the digital landscape evolves. A successful resolution could lead to establishing stringent safety measures requiring platforms to ensure parental oversight before children can access their services.
Assembly Resolution No. 167 urges the President and Congress to enact legislation requiring parental consent for children under 13 years old to access social media and other websites. The resolution reflects a growing concern about the safety and well-being of children in the digital age, specifically in light of the rise in mental health issues among teenagers, which may correlate with increased social media use. Statistics indicate that a significant portion of teenagers engage constantly with social media, raising alarms about their mental health and safety online.
The general sentiment surrounding AR167 appears to be largely positive among legislators who advocate for enhanced protection of children on social media. They argue that this measure is essential in curbing the risks associated with exposure to online environments, such as cyberbullying and exploitation. However, there may be some contention regarding the feasibility of enforcing such measures and balancing the needs for children’s access to information versus their security online. Critics may also raise concerns about whether such a system could be manageable for parents in practice.
Notable points of contention include the challenge of implementing parental consent across diverse platforms. While the resolution emphasizes the necessity for requiring such consent, questions arise about how effectively social media companies can comply without compromising accessibility. Opponents might highlight the potential for hindering children’s educational opportunities and connectivity with peers, arguing that too many restrictions could isolate them from beneficial online interactions. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the adequacy of existing legislation in addressing the multifaceted nature of children's interactions online.