Former New York State Congressman Walter T. Mosley writes that parents and caregivers have a hard time understanding the content their children are consuming.
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In today's ever-expanding digital age, where nearly all adolescents use social media, parents and caregivers struggle to keep track of the content their children are consuming. This complaint is usually directed at the platforms themselves, with New York City even declaring social media a public health threat. While the online world certainly has its dangers and pitfalls, it also has great benefits, such as sociability and educational resources. We need to stop pointing fingers and implement federal solutions that give parents easy ways to protect their children online.
As a father of teenagers and soon-to-be teenagers, there is no doubt that social media has become part of daily communication and consumption in our household. Policies surrounding technology have not kept up. Today, kids across the board are using social media platforms more than ever before, and with new apps appearing every week, parents and guardians have the freedom to help keep their kids safe online. We need smart solutions that can be used to
For some people, social media can be an important resource for finding community and outside support, but research shows a strong link between social media and increased risk of depression and anxiety. It turns out that there is. In light of these findings, there is growing concern about the impact of social media on the lives of children and young people, and parents and carers are wondering what social media use and contact is safe and appropriate for their families. There is a growing desire to play a major role in determining .
But what is the sensible solution when it comes to tools for parents and caregivers to keep minors safe online? At the very least, a patchwork that makes different apps comply with different standards in different states. We need a set of rules that are easy for parents to use and consistent, not a system. That's why it's clear that federal solutions need to be managed through all app stores. serves as the most productive model for children's online safety.
Requiring age verification through the App Store allows parents to approve whether it is safe for children under 16 to download and use the various platforms currently available. States across the country have introduced such laws to keep parents involved and children safe, but they can be confusing with a variety of rules, including age limits, enforcement mechanisms, and even outright bans. may be invited. Rather than banning minors from using certain apps, federal parental consent laws address the problem at its root and give parents more say in their children's online safety.
There is an urgent need for leaders in Washington to enact this common sense approach and make it easier for parents to ensure their children have safe access to the benefits of social media.
Walter T. Mosley is President and CEO of Mosley Advisory Group and a former member of the New York State Assembly.
