(WGGB/WSHM) — On Wednesday, lawmakers on Beacon Hill are expected to vote on a proposal aimed at kids and tech, including a social media ban for children under 14 and new restrictions on cell phones in schools.
Supporters say this is about protecting kids from harmful content and addictive algorithms, and if it passes, social media platforms would have to block anyone under 14 from using their services. For teens ages 14 and 15, platforms would need verifiable parental consent before allowing them to sign up. At 16-years-old, that parental permission requirement would end. The bill also requires companies to verify users’ ages and give parents access to information a minor submits on the platform.
The legislation also focuses on phones in the classroom, requiring all school districts to ban students from using personal electronic devices during the school day. Some local districts already have cell phone policies in place, banning their use in the classroom. This bill would create a statewide policy.
Western Mass News spoke with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll about the proposed legislation. She explains that her administration is working closely to see this legislation make its way through the senate, “We know social media can have a real impact on young adults that’s negative we’re seeing it in our communities we want to try and put some guardrails in place.”
If approved, the ban would take effect October 1st, and the attorney general would have to write the final rules by September 1st.
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