Mass. lawmakers to vote on 'restrictive' social media ban for kids – WCVB

Lawmakers in the Massachusetts House are expected to vote this week on legislation that would ban social media use for children under age 14 and implement statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools.
“The House will vote on legislation that takes significant steps to protect children in Massachusetts, and to ensure that our students are able to focus and succeed in the classroom,” Speaker Ronald Mariano and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz wrote in a joint statement.
According to the senior lawmakers, a vote is expected on Wednesday.
According to Mariano and Michlewitz, the bill would require social media platforms to block users under 14 entirely. Platforms would be required to obtain “verifiable parental consent” for users aged 14 or 15.
Parental consent would no longer be required starting at age 16, the lawmakers said.
Social media companies would be required to verify the ages of current and prospective users and give parents access to data submitted by minors, the lawmakers said.
“This ban would be among the most restrictive in the entire country, helping to protect young people from harmful content and addictive algorithms that have a proven negative impact on their mental health,” Mariano and Michlewitz wrote.
Video below: Mass. city limits social media for kids
If approved, the policy would take effect Oct. 1, and the Massachusetts Attorney General would be required to issue regulations by Sept. 1.
The proposal also targets device use during the school day by requiring districts to ban students from using personal electronic devices during school hours, according to the bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would be directed to provide guidance and a model policy for districts.
The bill would also create a pilot program in 10 districts to test technology that renders students’ personal devices inoperable on school grounds during the school day, according to the summary.
Mariano and Michlewitz said the intent is to “improve student focus and foster a healthier, more productive learning environment.”
Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

source