South Carolina House Advances Bill to Regulate Social Media for Minors, Enhancing Online Safety

Parents across the country are increasingly concerned about their children’s heavy use of technology and social media platforms, with many unsure of how to protect their kids in the digital age. According to Pew Research in 2023, YouTube remains the most widely used platform for teens, with 95% reporting usage. Other popular platforms among teens include TikTok (66%), Instagram (62%), and Snapchat (59%). Furthermore, according to a 2023 Gallup study, 51% of U.S. teenagers report spending at least four hours daily on social media, with the average time spent being 4.8 hours per day.

As social media use among minors continues to grow, with 68% of pre-teens aged 9-12 already engaging with these platforms, as reported by Statista in 2022, the bill aims to address the risks associated with excessive screen time and unsupervised access to online content. With platforms like YouTube and TikTok being among the most frequently used by teens, the bill seeks to establish a framework for safeguarding their digital experiences. The South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act represents a step toward balancing social media freedom with the protection of younger users.

In discussing the need for this bill, South Carolina Representative Neal Collins emphasized, “It’s our job to protect children. Obviously, social media has pros and cons. However, we have to do a better job regulating what a child has access to on these platforms. I’d prefer the platforms being proactive, but steps taken are not working. Hopefully, South Carolina can signal to the platforms that we want more protection.”

The bill was approved by the House yesterday with a vote of 90-17, marking an important step in regulating the digital landscape for younger users. As the bill continues to progress, it aims to balance social media freedom with the protection of minors, making it a notable development in South Carolina’s legislative efforts for digital safety.