Rep. Nick Wilson and colleague file bill to regulate social media consumption by minors

“Representative Nick Wilson was joined by Representative Josh Calloway in filing HB 450 on Thursday, a measure that would regulate the consumption of social media by minors,” read a post on Wilson’s official Facebook page.

“We live in an age where technology plays a part, for better or worse, in almost every aspect of our lives,” said Wilson, R-Williamsburg. “With the suicide rate among young people on the rise due to bullying and harassment, the dangers of social media have become prevalent. Now is the time to build accountability throughout this state and mitigate the unintended consequences this era has brought upon us.”

The post went on to say, “HB 450 would require a parent or guardian to authenticate and authorize the use of all major social media platforms for minors. This will entail the parent identifying themselves with a government issued ID, as well as the signing of an affidavit that simply states they are in fact responsible for the minor in question.”

“This measure is about empowering parents and giving them the opportunity to protect their children from the potential dangers of the internet,” Representative Josh Calloway, HB 450’s primary co-sponsor added. “I have heard too many horror stories of school-aged children being preyed upon by adults several states away. While this bill may not put a complete stop to this atrocity, I believe it will establish a safeguard that may save lives.”

For more information about HB 450 and to track its legislative progress, visit the Kentucky General Assembly’s website at legislature.ky.gov. Once you are on the site, select “Current Bills (24RS),” then look for the “House Bills” link in the middle of the page. A list of filed bills should then be viewable, including HB 450.