Senator Ted Cruz built his political brand as a constitutional conservative who trusted parents and local communities more than Washington bureaucrats. But his support for the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSA) marks a sharp departure from those principles.
In a new piece, Market Institute Senior Fellow Norm Singleton argues that KOSA represents yet another attempt by Congress to impose a “one size fits all” federal solution to a complex parenting issue.
As Singleton explains:
“The decision to when, how much, and what type of social media a child should consume should be made by those who best understand the unique needs of individual children—their parents.”
The legislation would prohibit children under 13 from creating accounts on many social media platforms while also pressuring schools to block access to social media during the school day as a condition of receiving federal E-Rate funding.
Singleton argues that this approach conflicts with longstanding conservative principles favoring parental rights and limited federal government.
He also notes that many of the arguments used to justify sweeping federal restrictions ignore the broader context surrounding rising anxiety and depression among young Americans, including the lingering effects of COVID lockdowns and social isolation.
The article also highlights research suggesting that smartphones and online platforms are not necessarily replacing real-world interaction among young people:
“A University of Florida study found that children with smartphones are more likely to spend time interacting with their friends than children without smartphones.”
Rather than federal mandates, Singleton argues parents already have access to tools that allow them to manage and monitor their children’s online activity without handing more authority to Washington.
He warns that restricting social media access through federal law could ultimately leave young people less prepared to navigate online spaces responsibly once they gain access later in life.
As Singleton concludes:
“Parental control of a child’s upbringing is one of the foundations of a free society.”
The full article argues that conservatives should reject efforts to turn Congress and the White House into “national nannies” and instead reaffirm the importance of parental responsibility and local decision-making.
Read the full piece in RealClearMarkets by clicking here.
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