Utah’s new social media law means kids need parental consent

Utah became the first state in the country to pass laws restricting minors from accessing social media.

According to Utah Social Media Regulation Act, SB152, children under the age of 18 need to obtain parental approval before creating a social media account.

The second bill signed by Cox, HB311, prohibits social media companies from using a design or feature that causes addiction for a minor to the company’s social media platform.

The laws, signed by Republican Governor Spencer Cox, aim to protect children from online predators and cyberbullying. The two bills also prohibit minors from using social media between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Before any user can open or maintain an account, it will require age verification for all. Before a minor can open a social media account, the law requires they get permission from their parents.

Through the bills, parents can access a minor’s account, posts and private messages.

The laws are the first of their kind in the United States and have sparked a debate about the appropriate age for children to start using social media.