BILL

to help protect minors from internet-based social media providers and their users by requiring social media providers to receive parental consent before allowing minors under the age of 16 to create social media accounts.

Gallagher’s staff worked with the committee and stakeholders to shape the bill in a way that balances the need to educate minors on internet safety with their varying degrees of independence, said A.J. Rossitto, Assembly fellow for Gallagher.

According to a press release, Gallagher noted during the hearing that while minors are targeted for harassment and predatory practices in increasing numbers, social media companies have failed to effectively educate youth on how to safely use their sites.

“Our kids are harassed by bullies and targeted by predators on social media every day. We need to give parents the tools and opportunities they need to educate their kids on safe practices, and social media can adopt practices to ensure that parents are involved,” Gallagher said.

Instagram echoed that sentiment earlier this month when the apps head, Adam Mosseri, announced several new features that creators hope will make the app less toxic and hateful.

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in March through April of last year surveyed 743 teens ages 13 to 17. Findings from the survey found that 95 percent of teens reported they have a smartphone or access to one and 45 percent of those teens said they are online on a near-constant basis.

Findings from the study also indicated that 24 percent of the teens describe the effects of social media on their lives as mostly negative. The top response for the cause of this negativity, mentioned by 27 percent of these teens, was that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumors.

“The vast majority of teens – 90 percent in this case – believe online harassment is a problem that affects people their age, and 63 percent say this is a major problem,” according to the study. “But majorities of young people think key groups, such as teachers, social media companies and politicians are failing at tackling this issue.”

According to Gallagher’s bill, any person or business that conducts business in California, and that operates a social media website or application, would be prohibited from allowing a person under 16 years of age to create an account with the website or application unless the consent of the minors parent or guardian has been obtained before creating the account.

“This means that parents across the state, in towns like Gridley, Corning and Yuba City, will be empowered to teach their kids about how to safely interact with social media,” Rossitto said. “We hope that providing parents and their kids this opportunity to have a discussion about social media will help protect kids ... and will

done during the winter months.

The corps has designated $50 million to do the project. The rest is being split between the state and SBFCA, with the state paying up to 70 percent.