Utah governor Spencer Cox recently passed the Utah Social Media Regulation Act (SB 152) that will restrict the use of social media by the state’s teens and children, requiring parental permission and age verification. Along with these requirements, minors’ will not be allowed to use social media between 10:30 P.M. to 6:30 A.M. These laws are predicted to take effect on March 1, 2024.

Will these laws make much of a difference among the youth? Not necessarily, because kids will still find ways to bypass these restrictions. They can use some else’s ID and link their accounts to an adult’s account. While it’s easy to get around these age requirements, it is a breach of privacy. Some are upset with the fact that the laws force teens to give social media platforms even more personal information.

During my meeting with Governor Cox on April 20, I asked him about Senate Bill 152 which he recently signed into law. He had a lot to say about the new regulations that will restrict social media use for minors.

“We’re letting social media companies decide how to parent our kids. And that’s, that’s a huge mistake,” Cox said.

It’s clear that Gov. Cox has the kids and parents best interest at heart. The idea of social media restriction may not be favored by everyone but it is a start in helping with the mental health of minors.

“If I’m right, in signing these laws we will be saving lives, lots of lives and lots of heartache,” Cox said. “I just can’t live with myself if if we don’t try something.”