Ohio Lets Parents Block Kids From Social Media

Ohio’s new law says that any social‑media site a child under 16 might use must get permission from the parents first. The state’s appeals court said this rule is fine under the First Amendment, even though tech companies tried to stop it. The decision was made by a three‑judge panel that agreed the law is not too vague and does not unfairly limit free speech. The rule applies to big names like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. It asks companies to check the user’s age and only let them sign up if a parent says it is okay. The law also lists eleven clues that help decide whether a site can be used by kids.A tech trade group called NetChoice, which includes many of the biggest social‑media companies, argued that the law is unconstitutional. They said it would make it harder for kids to see protected content. The court disagreed, saying the law is narrowly aimed at protecting children from being tricked by complicated terms and conditions. Ohio passed the law in 2023, but a federal judge blocked it from being enforced until now. The appeals court reversed that block, allowing the state to start applying the rule in 2024. Other countries, like Australia, are also looking at ways to limit kids’ access to social media because of worries about mental health and safety. Ohio’s decision could influence similar laws elsewhere.