A measure in Indiana might ban children under 16 from using social media without their parents’ consent

Indianapolis, Indiana – Social media companies will be required to prevent children under 16 from viewing their information if their parents do not give them permission to do so, if State Senator Mike Bohacek’s (R-Michiana Shores) measure is approved in the upcoming session.

“We just want to protect children,” Bohacek stated. “As a state, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our children.”

Bohacek claims that in order for parents to provide their children permission, they must submit their credit card details to these websites and essentially give their consent year until the youngster is sixteen. According to the measure, parents could withdraw their consent at any moment.

Bohacek stated, “I just want parents to be able to moderate what their kids are getting into.”

State Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) stated, “As a parent, I completely understand the impact of social media.” “As far as young people are concerned, I am all for reasonable social media regulations.”

If the measure is approved, parents would be able to sue noncompliant social media companies in civil court. Parents of children who experience cyberbullying may also bring a legal lawsuit against the bully’s parents, or the bully themselves if the victim is as least eighteen.

“After being bullied so much online, we have kids that are 12 and 13 years old who are killing themselves,” Bohacek stated. “You know, just think of how hopeless you would feel.”

Bohacek continued by saying that this section of the bill might be changed.

“A lot of people might think that might be a bridge too far,” Bohacek said, adding that he thought it was a bit too particular. “I think it’s crucial that everyone comes together on this, even though we won’t be able to resolve this with a single bill and vote.”

“I’m interested to see how that bill develops because we’ve seen other states that essentially entertained the idea of some sort of regulation and guidelines on social media for teenagers younger than 16 years old,” Qaddoura stated.