Local school officials comment on social media, legislation
Brian Gault, principal at Yuba City’s Gray Avenue Middle School, said he deals with a lot of issues between students that have started on social media.
Gault said many parents know their children access various social media platforms but don’t always know what kind of interactions are taking place until after a problem has arisen.
“This is a brilliant idea,” Gault said of a bill proposed by Assemblyman James Gallagher setting an age below which children must have parental permission for engaging in social media. “Not only will it help parents and open up communication about the subject, but it will help schools deal with the problem as well.”
Education and awareness about social media safety has already been integrated into the current curriculum at Gray Avenue Middle School, Gault said, but he also encourages parents to monitor their children’s phones closely and maintain an open conversation about the dangers of social media.
“I compliment James on his efforts in this,” said Tom Reusser, Sutter County superintendent of schools. “When the parents get involved and have that open communication, the safety of the children will be improved.”
Reusser said the earlier parents can introduce safe social media intervention and education the better because younger students have been more receptive to the information.
encourage kids to confide in their parents if they are victims of online harassment or predators.”
The bill would also require the Department of Justice to establish guidelines by Jan. 1, 2020, that specifies the means by which a social media website or application is required to obtain guardians consent.
Under proposed amendments,
Gallagher’s bill would take effect in January 2020, but social media companies would have until June 2021 to comply.
The bill is now headed to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. If approved there, the bill will be sent through the state senate approval process before being presented to the governor for consideration.