Top lesson: Utah law would limit teens' access to social media + News wrap 3/29/23 + Student video
March 28, 2023
Summary
A new law in the state of Utah could dramatically limit teenagers’ access to social media platforms. It requires anyone under 18 to get parental consent to join social media platforms, forces platforms to give parents access to children’s posts and messages and sets a social media curfew for minors. Geoff Bennett discussed the law with Utah State Sen. Mike McKell, who introduced the legislation.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- What law has State Sen. Mike McKell proposed?
- Why is the law important, according to McKell?
- How would teens be limited in using social media under this law?
- How would the law be enforced, according to McKell?
Focus Questions
Do you think the government (state or federal) should have any role in limiting social media use for young people? Why or why not?
Media literacy: Why do you think this story focused on an interview of a backer of the bill, and not any of its critics?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: This interview refers to a CDC report on teen mental health as part of the inspiration for the bill. You can read a summary of the CDC report here, or follow the link to the full report. After reading about the report, discuss — would this law or others like it address any of the problems discussed in the report?
Student Video of the Day
“Is social media helpful or hurtful?” via Student Reporting Labs
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