Tennessee’s Protecting Kids From Social Media Act

In May 2024, Tennessee became the first state to pass the Protecting Kids From Social Media Act, a law requiring parental consent and oversight for anyone under 18 to use social media platforms. The law was promoted as a safeguard against the growing concerns of online harm, mental health challenges, and excessive screen time among children.

The act, set to take effect in January 2025, mandates that social media companies verify user ages, obtain parental permission for minors, and provide tools for parents to monitor accounts. Parents can enforce time limits, adjust privacy settings, and require breaks in usage.

Supporters argue the law will give families more control in a digital world that often feels overwhelming. They believe it will help limit children’s exposure to harmful content and reduce risks associated with addictive design practices on apps.

Critics counter that the law raises constitutional and logistical challenges. Age verification could compromise privacy, and opponents see parental monitoring as an overreach that may conflict with minors’ rights to communicate freely online. There are also doubts about how platforms will implement the rules consistently.

Whether or not it withstands legal scrutiny, Tennessee’s law represents a growing movement to regulate children’s online lives. It illustrates the tension between safeguarding youth and protecting digital freedoms, a debate that will likely intensify in the coming years.