In Columbia, South Carolina, an important development has taken place. The government has implemented guardrails on various industries such as movies, TV, alcohol, and tobacco companies. These guardrails ensure that these entities act in a manner that safeguards kids and teens from harm. Now, dozens of states are urging Congress to extend similar measures to online platforms like social media.

Why the Need for Online Safety Measures

It has been nearly a quarter of a century since a law was passed to address online activities. During this time, social media has emerged, smart phones have proliferated, and kids and teens have gained greater access to the online world. However, the law has not kept pace with these changes. As a parent of teenagers, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson understands the challenges. "It's difficult for parents to monitor what their children are doing on their phones," he said. "This lack of oversight poses a significant risk."

The "Kids Online Safety Act"

A bipartisan group of more than 30 state attorneys general, including Wilson, sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week. They are calling on Congress to pass the federal "Kids Online Safety Act." This bill would mandate default safety settings on social media sites and enable users to disable endless-scrolling features. "There's a risk that a kid might be led from an innocent site to a more dangerous one through these features," Wilson explained. "We need to take steps to prevent such situations."

The Duty of Care for Online Platforms

Online platforms have a responsibility to act in a way that avoids causing harm, especially to kids and teens. If these entities are promoting products that are known to be harmful or addictive, they should be held accountable. "Some social media companies are monetizing addiction and self-destructive behavior," Wilson said. "We want them to change their practices and prioritize the well-being of children."

Addressing Concerns about First Amendment Rights

Some groups have expressed concerns that the "Kids Online Safety Act" could infringe on First Amendment rights. However, South Carolina's attorney general believes otherwise. "The First Amendment is not a license to cause harm," he said. "We need to find a balance between protecting children and upholding constitutional rights."If the bill passes in the US Senate and makes it through the House of Representatives by the end of the year, it will go a long way in safeguarding kids and teens in the online world. If not, the work on Capitol Hill will have to resume next year when a new Congress begins.Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.