Minnesota 2nd District Congresswoman Angie Craig (DFL) is behind legislation, the No Social Media at School Act, that would have social media companies block their platforms on school campus while the kids are in class.
Craig tells Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News that kids scrolling in the classroom is impacting student's mental health, attention spans, and the ability to focus. The bill would require social media companies to geofence K-12 school campuses.
"Right now, most of the responsibility is on the administrators and the teachers to take away the cell phones," says Rep. Craig. "This puts the responsibility where I think more responsibility needs to lie. And this is on the social media, big tech platforms themselves."
Craig says the No Social Media at School Act allows for exemptions for public safety, non-profits, and educational purposes. She says teachers then would be able to use platforms like YouTube for just classroom work.
Craig added that they're working to get the jump on those tech and social media companies.
"Anytime you try to regulate them at all, they send an army of lobbyists to come meet with members of Congress," Craig explained. "And so, hopefully we got ahead of them, and we will be able to generate some bipartisan support very quickly for the bill."
Craig says school is for learning, and not scrolling on a hand-held device.
Under Rep. Craig’s bill, states’ attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have the power to enforce the law in the case that the companies fail to comply. The No Social Media at School Act also provides exemptions for public safety, nonprofits and educational purposes, allowing teachers to use educational platforms in their curricula.
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