Bold Move: Ohio Takes Action to Protect Kids From Addictive Social Media Platforms

Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) has included in his two-year budget proposal, a law that would require children under the age of 16 to have parental consent before creating new accounts on TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

According to the Associated Press, the new law would require social media firms to obtain a parent’s permission for children to sign up for social media and even gaming applications. The proposed legislation explicitly names YouTube and Instagram.

We have an obligation to make sure every Ohioan has the tools to succeed, get a good job, and live their dreams. My budget proposal will help ensure this for Ohio’s kids.https://t.co/FzhzUwaVc7

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) February 3, 2023

However, the AP reports the proposed law would broadly apply to “any online website, online service, online product, or online feature that requires consumer consent to register, sign up, or otherwise create a unique username.”

Lt. Governor Jon Husted who was described by the AP as “driving the initiative” told the outlet the law wouldn’t apply to “e-commerce” or “online shopping.”

“Social media companies produce a product that is intentionally addictive to our children and has been proven harmful to kids,” Husted said.

Adding, “Parents should know about it before it happens and social media companies should be held accountable.”

“Everything in your child’s life needs parental consent. But in the form of social media, one of the most dangerous threats to their social lives right now, there’s nothing. There’s no requirement, and we need to fix that.”
-Lt. Governor @JonHusted https://t.co/1HlKpaOJeE

— Lt. Governor Jon Husted (@LtGovHusted) February 14, 2023

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The Columbus Dispatch reports that the platforms would need to create a splash page that verifies the user’s age and gains the necessary consent from a parent. Husted told the local paper that the companies must also send written confirmation to the parents and if they do not approve the Terms and Conditions the children must be prevented from using the apps.

“The verdict is in on this: Social media is addictive, it is harmful to brain development, creates a lot of social disorders, and has been really harmful to our children in many ways,” Husted told the Dispatch. “It’s pretty universally accepted that this is not good for kids.”

During a visit to Dayton on Wednesday he reiterated the danger, “Social media companies are running platforms that are addicting our children, harming our children and we need more parental involvement,” according to Dayton Daily News.

“It is to help parents fight back against really some of the addictive, insidious kinds of things that are happening with social media,” Husted explained. “Algorithms that are coming from companies like TikTok, a Chinese company, are designed to addict your children with that platform. They’re sending them harmful content.”

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