Polling shows that social media bans are overwhelmingly popular. This article is for canada but it holds true for the US. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/07/01/majority-of-americans-support-banning-social-media-for-kids-under-16/
Just wanted to share because I’ve seen people act like it’s some anti-democratic conspiracy that these (bad) laws are going into place.
I think laws could be used to put some stronger responsibilities on the parents. Unfortunately, some of them don’t care whether their children are on social media or what they do on there at all. So when something happens to a child who was too young to join social media, parents would bear some responsibility for that. Guidance is great, but not everyone will take that offer. I’m not in favor of abolishing the minimum drinking age (which is 14 here btw) either.
The parents who wouldn’t be responsible. Aren’t going to be responsible just because there’s laws. They never have been. And realistically it’s just going to punish otherwise decent ones who due to circumstances beyond their knowledge failed.
Make considerations for child neglect and endangerment charges considering such things when it’s appropriate. That’s workable/palatable. But the state policing basic social interaction is dystopian as fuck and screaming for abuse. No thanks. The state isn’t worthy of that sort of trust in the first place. Not one of them. Leave it to the families and communities, focus on helping them to succeed. It’s cheaper and more effective.