Is Social Media Safe for Kids? A Lawmaker's Fight for Change

A lawmaker from Long Beach is taking a stand against the potential dangers of social media for kids. He believes that Australia's recent move to ban social media for children under 16 is a step in the right direction. After visiting Australia, he returned with new ideas to protect young people in California from the negative effects of social media. The lawmaker, who has three daughters, is concerned about the impact of social media on youth mental health. He points to a rise in suicide rates, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression among young people over the past decade. He believes that excessive social media use and the resulting social pressures are contributing to these issues. In California, a bill is making its way through the legislature that would hold social media companies accountable for harm caused to minors. The bill would make companies financially liable if they fail to exercise ordinary care and their negligence results in harm to a child or teenager. However, the tech industry opposes the bill, arguing that it is too vague and could lead to broad censorship.The lawmaker is also considering the idea of creating an e-safety commission in California, similar to Australia's. This commission would have the authority to demand data from social media companies, conduct studies, and implement policies. It would also operate a portal where members of the public can report objectionable content. The lawmaker supports the idea of setting an age limit for social media use, similar to age restrictions for watching certain movies, drinking alcohol, or driving. He believes that the scientific and pediatric communities should determine the appropriate age for social media use. Australia's social media ban has caught the attention of government officials worldwide, including Denmark, New Zealand, and Malaysia. Governor Gavin Newsom has also taken notice but has not offered a formal position on the law. However, he has signed bills in the past to protect children online, including one that bans addictive feeds for minors without parental consent.