As the calendar flips to a new year, states across the country are rolling out new laws that aim to manage the growing concern over children’s use of social media. Virginia and Tennessee have taken center stage with their fresh legislation designed to put the brakes on kids’ screen time. In Virginia, there’s a new law restricting children under 16 to one hour per day on social media apps. Meanwhile, Tennessee has introduced a measure requiring parental consent for teenagers under 18 to create online accounts. The intention behind these laws is clear: to protect children in the digital space, much like they are protected in the physical world.
Some lawmakers, like Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, have voiced their support, noting that social media companies have failed to implement effective measures to safeguard young users. But while Blackburn and others push for government intervention, some people question how effective these laws will be. After all, kids are resourceful, and setting boundaries without understanding, personal responsibility, or parental involvement might not be enough.
In Virginia, the idea of limiting social media use to one hour per day for children may sound like a dream come true for many parents. Sadly, though, this approach hints at a larger problem: the government stepping in where parents could—and perhaps should—take charge. It’s not unreasonable for parents to set boundaries and educate their kids about the dangers of excessive screen time, especially in a world where young people are already bombarded with information from every direction.
But let’s not forget about those children whose parents are either unable or unwilling to guide them through the digital minefield. For them, these laws might provide a much-needed safety net. On the other hand, we can’t entirely rely on the government to act in loco parentis, stepping in to make up for deficits in parental attention and involvement. Otherwise, we’d just be promoting a culture of dependency.
It’s essential for parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives, teaching them the responsibilities that come with internet access. While the government may have a role in regulating businesses and platforms that facilitate online interactions, the day-to-day job of guiding young minds ultimately lies with parents. At the end of the day, the introduction of these laws opens a broader discussion about the balance between parental responsibility and government intervention in the digital age. Let’s hope this conversation encourages more families to take a proactive stance, armed with the knowledge—and common sense—to navigate the wild world of social media.
