The social media platforms are not full of color and clarity, but it can easily become the hotspot of trouble and chaos. The post-corona period saw the widespread use of social media without any restriction. A North Texas state representative wants to stop the teenagers under 18 from using social media in Texas with the help of identity proofs.
Though cyber laws and cyber security is strong enough, there are more pressing questions of how social media affects people mentally and emotionally. Social media depends on the user to make its revenue- you become the product. Thus it is obviously addictive. And with a bill on its table, will the legislation ban social media for teenagers?
Read More: What Is Shadow Banning? Did Twitter Use It To “Blacklist” Accounts Before Elon Musk?
How Does The Bill Want To Ban Social Media?
It was state representative Jared Patterson who filed the bill, HB896 this week. The Bill mentions a number of steps of how the social media ban should happen. “A social media platform shall verify the age of the account holder by requiring the account holder to provide a copy of the account holder’s driver’s license along with a second photo showing both the account holder and the driver’s license in a manner that allows the social media company to verify the identity of the account holder,” the bill suggests. So it is with the help of two photo ids that the verification process happens.
The bill also states that after the person’s age verification, the personal information needs to be deleted. The bill also sets up a provision where the parents can request to remove the child’s account. The enforcement of deceptive trade practices can also happen through the changes with the social media security being increased.
Read More: Who Is Paul Whelan And Why Is The US Marine Unhappy With Joe Biden Over Brittney Griner’s Release?
Reasons Stated For Social Media Ban
The main reason that the state representative Jared Patterson points out is the increase in suicide and self-harm among teenagers. This hike in suicicde is after years of decline in the number. And that is being linked to the increased use of social media. The state rep compares social media to pre-1964 cigarettes. “Once thought to be perfectly safe for users, social media access to minors has led to remarkable rises in self-harm, suicide, and mental health issues,” Patterson stated.
Patterson puts found his bill as a way to protect the children, from further harm. Social media also effects a growing child, with erratic sleep patterns and peer pressure, making them more vulnerable. From 2015 to 2022, the percentage of teenagers using social media constantly has increased from 24% to 46% in US, according to new Pew Research Centre survey. This is a higher rate when comparing to the fact that 37% of the world has still not used the internet, according to UN. So what should be done, should social media banned for teenagers.
Read More: Did Elon Musk Discriminate Against Women During Layoffs?
