The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night to keep cell phones out of schools and children off social media.The bill, which passed 129-25, prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from social media and requires parental consent for teens ages 14 and 15.Restrictions will be lifted at the age of 16.House leaders said social media algorithms are addictive and harmful to youth mental health.Lawmakers want regulations in place by October.“This bill will protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms, and ensure that our students are able to focus in the classroom without the distraction from cell phones,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).School districts will also be required to implement a yearly policy prohibiting the use of electronic devices during the school day and during school-sponsored activities occurring during the school day. Having passed the Senate already, the bill now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.Watch below: How watching violence on social media affects mental health
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night to keep cell phones out of schools and children off social media.
The bill, which passed 129-25, prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from social media and requires parental consent for teens ages 14 and 15.
Restrictions will be lifted at the age of 16.
House leaders said social media algorithms are addictive and harmful to youth mental health.
Lawmakers want regulations in place by October.
“This bill will protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms, and ensure that our students are able to focus in the classroom without the distraction from cell phones,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).
School districts will also be required to implement a yearly policy prohibiting the use of electronic devices during the school day and during school-sponsored activities occurring during the school day.
Having passed the Senate already, the bill now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.
Watch below: How watching violence on social media affects mental health
