The new Utah Social Media Regulation Act will require social media platforms to give parents access to their teens’ accounts, allowing them to monitor their children’s online activities. Parents will also need to provide consent for their children under the age of 18 to use social media platforms.
This means that parents will need to be more involved in their children’s online lives, and should take the time to educate themselves on the potential risks and benefits of social media use for minors. Additionally, parents will need to work with their children to establish healthy social media habits and ensure that they are using these platforms safely and responsibly.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed into law a new bill called the Utah Social Media Regulation Act, which requires minors to obtain parental consent before joining social media platforms. As part of the bill, social media sites will be required to carry out age verification for all Utah residents, ban all ads for minors, impose a curfew between 10:30 pm to 6:30 am for anyone under 18 years old, and allow parents access to their teens’ accounts.
The law also requires social media companies to turn off algorithms for suggested content, and companies must conduct age verification for all Utah residents. Republican Sen. Michael McKell introduced the legislation, citing the drastic increase in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among Utah teens and across the US due to social media sites.
However, industry experts and digital rights groups have raised concerns about the bill’s impact on user privacy, basic rights, and freedom. Even though the Utah law is unprecedented, other states are likely to follow, and if enough states implement similar legislation, a more concerted effort at the federal level could result in codifying these disparate state laws under a nationwide policy.
How can iSharing App help Parents With This?
The iSharing app can help parents in several ways:
- Real-time location tracking: The app allows parents to track their children’s location in real-time. This feature can help parents keep an eye on their children’s whereabouts and ensure that they are safe.
- Geofencing: The app allows parents to set up geofences around specific locations such as home, school, or a park. Parents will receive alerts on their phones when their children enter or leave the designated areas. This feature can help parents ensure that their children are where they are supposed to be.
- Panic button: The app has a panic button feature that allows children to send an emergency alert to their parents with their location information if they are in danger or need help.
- Family Circles: The app allows parents and children to communicate through circles. Parents can use this feature to stay in touch with their children and ensure they are safe.
Overall, the iSharing app can help parents stay connected with their children and provide them with peace of mind knowing that they can track their children’s whereabouts and ensure their safety.
How to Talk to Your Kids About this New Law
Here are some tips for parents to talk to their kids about this new law:
- Start with the basics: Begin by explaining the basics of the law in simple terms that your child can understand. Use age-appropriate language and avoid using technical jargon.
- Emphasize the importance of privacy: Explain to your child that their privacy is important, and that they have the right to keep their personal information private.
- Discuss the potential risks: Talk to your child about the potential risks of sharing personal information online, such as identity theft or cyberbullying.
- Encourage open communication: Encourage your child to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe online. Let them know that you are always there to listen and support them.
- Establish rules and boundaries: Set clear rules and boundaries for your child’s online activities, such as limiting screen time, monitoring their online activity, and prohibiting sharing personal information with strangers.
- Teach safe online practices: Teach your child safe online practices, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, and not responding to messages from strangers.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest online trends and threats, and regularly update your child on any new information that may affect their online safety.
Remember, the key to having a productive conversation with your child about this new law is to be open, honest, and supportive. Encourage your child to ask questions, and be prepared to answer them in a way that is age-appropriate and easy to understand.