A deep dive into the Social Media Parental Notification Act and its impact on student privacy in 2024
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
Ohio is in the process of passing the Social Media Parental Notification Act, which would require social media platforms to obtain parental consent before minors aged 15 and under can create profiles. This marks a shift in how we approach students’ interactions with online platforms and flips the script on students’ access to social media.
With nearly 80% of adults expressing support for parental consent and 70% endorsing age-verification requirements, this act sets the stage for transforming student social media use. This isn’t the first act of its kind, with several states implementing laws to address online privacy for children. But, in some cases, like in Arkansas, judges have stepped in to prevent the enforcement of these laws, highlighting the nuanced debate of nationwide efforts to address online privacy for children.
What are the implications of this act, and what role do educators play in guiding students through the ropes of social media? Let’s dive in.
Ohio’s Latest Act: It’s impact on students
From cyberbullying to the potential impact on their well-being, students often find themselves grappling with the pressures and challenges presented by social media. This legislation addresses these concerns by involving parents in deciding when their child gains access to a social media account.
While most apps have a required age limit of 13, the Social Media Parental Notification Act requires students aged 15 years or younger to show proof of parental or guardian consent when creating a social media profile.
Here are the guidelines for the new act:
- Social media requires parental/guardian consent for minors aged 15 or below.
- Consent methods: form return, payment info, phone/video verification, government ID.
- Written confirmation of consent is required from the company.
- Without parental consent, access is denied to the child.
- Parents can withdraw consent, and errors can be reported, leading to access denial within 30 days.
- The act does not apply to social media accounts created before January 15.
In a recent press release, Attorney General Dave Yost says, “This law aims to give parents more control over their children creating new social media accounts.” For educators, understanding this law is important as it directly impacts the dynamics of student engagement on social media platforms, how they gain access to it, and when. Educators can proactively empower students to navigate and address the evolving landscape of social media, fostering a safer and more informed online world.
How would this act be enforced? Companies failing to comply with the recent legislation may face fines of up to $1,000 per day. After two months, the daily fine rises to $5,000; after 90 days, it reaches $10,000.
Empowering students to protect their privacy online
Safeguarding students online remains a hot topic, and the ongoing debate surrounding the roles of social media companies, schools, and families continues to play a large part in the conversation.
The Social Media Parental Notification Act amplifies the focus on student privacy and emphasizes the collaborative roles we can take to put students first. As educators, we can contribute to this effort by empowering students with the tools to stay safe online once they create social media accounts, fostering a culture of responsibility online and offline.
Through The Social Institute’s peer-to-peer interactive approach, we empower students to navigate social media and tech positively. In our Grade 8 #WinAtSocial Lesson, Examining how free apps and websites use our data, students:
- Discuss the goals behind companies that offer free websites, apps, and games.
- Examine how popular apps and devices collect and use their data.
- Personalize and update their privacy settings for devices and apps.
If you’re interested in running this lesson to help empower your students to protect their privacy online, talk to a member of our team today. Our peer-to-peer learning platform, #WinAtSocial, empowers your students to harness the power of technology for good while avoiding its pitfalls, no matter the decisions or features made by tech giants.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
Given the Social Media Parental Notification Act, how do you feel about the shift towards increased parental involvement in minors’ social media activities? How involved are your parents or guardians in your social media use? Share out!
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.