New legislation in Nebraska aims to require parental consent for minors on social media and regulate cell phone use in schools
Lincoln: Nebraska is looking to tighten the reins on social media for kids. Lawmakers want to make sure that anyone under 18 gets parental permission before signing up for any social media accounts. This idea is coming from State Sen. Tanya Storer, who’s pushing for a new law to help protect kids online.
At a recent news conference, Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers backed this proposal, saying it’s all about keeping kids safe from online dangers. They believe social media can lead to bullying and other serious issues, so they want parents to have more control over their kids’ online activities.
Storer compared this to needing a parent’s okay for things like getting ears pierced. She thinks parents should have the same say when it comes to social media, which can collect personal data and expose kids to risks.
The proposed law, called the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, would require social media companies to check ages and get parental consent for minors. If companies don’t comply, they could face hefty fines.
Storer mentioned that this law is inspired by a similar one in Florida, but it’s not as strict. In Florida, they have to delete accounts for kids under 14, while Nebraska’s plan wouldn’t affect existing accounts.
Storer emphasized that this isn’t about banning social media; it’s about giving parents the tools to keep an eye on their kids. The ACLU has expressed some concerns about free speech but hasn’t seen the bill yet.
Pillen pointed out that the online world isn’t the same as real life and that Nebraska should have acted on this sooner. He also mentioned how today’s kids face pressures that previous generations didn’t have to deal with.
In addition to the social media bill, there are other proposals on the table. One would require schools to create policies on cellphone use during school hours. Some schools already have rules in place, but this would standardize it across the state.
Sen. Rita Sanders, who introduced this idea, believes that limiting phone use can help improve students’ focus and test scores. There would be exceptions for emergencies, of course.
Pillen even suggested a “no phones in bed” rule for kids, although he knows that’s hard to enforce. He just wants to make sure kids aren’t distracted by their phones at night.
Another bill aims to ban computer-generated child pornography, which is a growing concern. This would help law enforcement tackle these issues more effectively.
Lastly, there’s a proposal to ensure social media companies design their platforms with kids in mind, preventing harmful effects like anxiety and privacy violations. The goal is to put kids’ safety first without stepping on their rights.
Overall, these measures show Nebraska is taking steps to address the challenges kids face in the digital age.
