Iowa Representative David Young shares his stance on House File 2255 pertaining to giving parental control over their child’s electronic device.

Representative Young marvels at social media’s ability to connect people, but acknowledges the pitfalls that are attached. He explains legislators are using feedback from the public to address appropriate measures on parental control to protect kids from obscene materials. Young suggests that Iowa follow suit with an idea other states are doing when it comes to putting parents/guardians in the driver seat.

“And several states are doing this, and that is getting parental permission for their kids to be on social media. Some of the things that pop up on social media, they make me blush, and I’m in my 50s. Pornographic images, the body image shaming that is on there, bullying, (and) human trafficking. Kids are trusting and can be very vulnerable as well and we want to make sure that we put parents back in the control seat.”

Young adds another suggestion is to have teachers in grades 6-12 instruct an internet safety course on both the benefits and consequences of social media. He reiterates that legislators are listening and is open to feedback about this issue.