There was a time when conservatives howled about America’s school systems, calling them centers for indoctrination that were trying to perform functions that belonged solely to children’s parents. As they gain control of law-making chambers, however, many of these same conservatives now appear to be doing the same thing, but at the legislative rather than scholastic level.
Right-leaning officials have taken it upon themselves to dictate what curricula should be taught, and which shouldn’t; dictate whether or not sports leagues can decide if boys and girls can compete together; even which bathrooms students can use in schools.
As Texas lawmakers pre-file bills for the upcoming legislative session, one North Texas official has proposed banning anyone younger than 18 from accessing social media sites.
Such a prohibition would be impossible to enforce; moreover, it’s a terrible idea, and we trust that other legislators will ignore the effort.
State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, filed House Bill 896, which would require people to provide two forms of photo identification and verify that they are older than 18 before being allowed to open accounts on any social media network.
Most sites already have age restrictions and ask people to verify their age, but enforcement is impossible and younger people frequently open accounts by providing false birthdates. As The Dallas Morning News reported last week, a recent survey by Common Sense Media found that 84% of people ages 8 and 18 use social media.
Patterson’s concerns about such sites are valid. Predators have used them to find and gain access to children. Some children, as well as adults, have used them to bully others, even driving some young people to commit suicide.
The responsibility for monitoring children’s activity on these networks lies with the parents, not with elected officials who are trying to gain public favor.
In addition, abuses are far outnumbered by beneficial uses. Many teachers have created pages to keep their students informed about homework assignments, class activities and school announcements. Classes have created pages that focus on class projects, activities and messaging. School bands, sports teams and clubs also have built pages to inform participants, families and fans about their efforts.
Outside the classroom, many families use social media sites to stay in touch with relatives, keep track of those who might be ill or plan reunions and other activities.
Each of these families and groups should be able to determine whether young members can be trusted with having access to and participating in any of these networks, whether it be Facebook, TikTok or What’s App. A total ban would be too restrictive for those who wish to use social media for such benign and even beneficial uses.
Most users of social media, regardless of age, are responsible. Abusers usually are quickly identified and exposed, where they can be dealt with directly. A state ban on social media likely will be ignored, and enforcement will create more problems, and cost more taxpayers’ money, than it would be worth.
Let parents be parents, and scale back nanny state government.
