In an effort to empower parents and help them understand the harmful effects of social media on their children, Utah has launched a social media awareness campaign. The campaign aims to equip parents with the tools they need to raise their kids and protect their mental well-being.
Recent data has shown that 88% of Utah parents believe that social media has a detrimental impact on their children’s mental health. It affects their self-esteem, contributes to suicidal thoughts, and disrupts sleep patterns and brain development. These negative effects can have serious consequences, including reduced school performance and increased anxiety.
The state’s social media awareness campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of Families, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Commerce. Its goal is to encourage responsible use of social media while pressuring social media companies to remove harmful elements.
The campaign provides various resources for parents on the website socialharms.utah.gov. Parents can access data, educational videos that can be watched with their children, and suggestions for creating a family media plan and establishing tech-free zones.
Utah has also taken legislative action to regulate social media. Two bills have been passed and will go into effect on March 1, 2024. One bill, SB152, introduced Sen. Mike McKell, requires age verification for Utahns using social media. The other bill, HB311, introduced Rep. Jordan Teuscher, prohibits social media companies from using addictive design elements or features that target minors.
The campaign and these legislative measures emphasize the need for parents to take an active role in monitoring and guiding their children’s social media use. While social media can be a useful tool when used appropriately, its negative impact on children’s mental health cannot be ignored. Utah’s initiative serves as an important reminder for all parents to prioritize their children’s well-being in the digital age.
