In an age dominated by smartphones and instant gratification, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become central to students’ lives. While these tools provide opportunities for creativity and connection, they also bring significant challenges—especially for young minds navigating their formative years. As educators committed to fostering student growth, we must weigh the benefits of these platforms against their potential harms. Supporting federal and state laws aimed at restricting minors’ access to social media isn’t about opposing technology; it’s about prioritizing students’ mental health, academic success, and social development.

Here’s why educators should stand behind these initiatives:

1. Mental Health Crisis Among Students

Social media has been linked to alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy in young people. According to the CDC, nearly one in three high school girls reported contemplating suicide in 2021, with social media playing a significant role in fueling comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic beauty standards.
By limiting minors’ access, we can create space for healthier interactions, reduce the pressure to perform online, and help students develop their sense of self outside the curated world of social media.

2. Distraction and Academic Performance

As educators, we see firsthand how social media disrupts classroom engagement. Notifications, endless scrolling, and the addictive nature of these platforms make it nearly impossible for students to focus during lessons or complete homework without interruption. Studies have shown that excessive screen time correlates with decreased academic achievement.
Restricting access would alleviate some of these distractions, allowing students to invest more time in learning and less time in fleeting, algorithm-driven content.

3. Protecting Privacy and Data Security

Many social media apps, including TikTok, collect vast amounts of data, often without users’ full understanding. Minors are especially vulnerable, as they may not grasp the long-term implications of sharing personal information online. Federal laws targeting platforms like TikTok aim to safeguard users’ privacy and ensure that students’ data isn’t exploited for profit or by foreign entities.
As educators, we should advocate for digital safety measures that protect our students and teach them the value of online responsibility.

4. Encouraging Healthy Social Development

Social media has revolutionized how young people communicate, often replacing face-to-face interaction with digital exchanges. While these platforms can foster connection, they can also stunt social development. Constant online interaction doesn’t provide the same depth of understanding or emotional intelligence gained through real-world conversations and collaboration.
Limiting access can encourage students to build authentic relationships, develop conflict resolution skills, and navigate social challenges in person.

5. Preventing Addiction and Long-Term Consequences

Many social media platforms are designed to be addictive, leveraging psychology to keep users engaged. For minors, this can lead to habitual overuse, interfering with sleep, physical activity, and real-world experiences. Educators often see the consequences in the form of tired, disengaged students who struggle to meet their full potential.
Restricting access allows young people to develop healthier habits and reduces their dependence on platforms that prioritize profit over user well-being.

6. Setting Boundaries as a Teachable Moment

Supporting these laws offers an opportunity to model and teach the importance of boundaries in the digital age. By backing measures that limit social media access, educators can lead conversations about digital citizenship, critical media literacy, and the impact of technology on society. Students must learn that technology is a tool, not a necessity for validation or self-worth.

Conclusion: Striking a Balance for the Digital Generation

It’s important to clarify that supporting these restrictions doesn’t mean rejecting technology outright. Instead, it reflects a desire to create a healthier balance for students—a balance where technology serves as a tool for education and empowerment, not a source of harm.

Federal and state laws limiting social media access aren’t about censorship; they’re about giving our students a chance to grow, learn, and thrive without the constant noise of online platforms. As educators, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for policies that prioritize students’ well-being. By supporting these initiatives, we can help shape a future where young people use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

Let’s put our students’ needs first and embrace this chance to make a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

This is part of my Politics in the Classroom series, where I look at the importance of political campaigns, pop culture, sports, music, and geopolitics of the last 50 years and how to use them as resources in the classroom. To read more, check out my other posts in the series. (Link)