Written By Are you a parent or guardian concerned about your child’s safety on social media? With the rise of TikTok and Instagram, it can be difficult to keep track of what your kids are seeing and sharing online. Unfortunately, these platforms also have a dark side filled with cyberbullying, predators, inappropriate content, and more. That’s why Utah is taking action to protect children from harm on social media. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers lurking on TikTok and Instagram and what measures Utah is implementing to keep kids safe online. So buckle up as we dive into The Dark Side of TikTok and Instagram!
What is TikTok and Instagram?
TikTok and Instagram are two of the most popular apps on smartphones, with each boasting hundreds of millions of users. But while they may seem like harmless fun, TikTok and Instagram have a dark side.
Both apps are known for their short videos and images, which can be addictive for some users. But what many people don’t realize is that these apps are also used to share sexually explicit content, including videos of minors being abuse. In fact, according to the Utah Attorney General’s Office, TikTok and Instagram are responsible for over 60% of all child sexual abuse reports in the state.
This is why Utah is taking action to keep kids safe online. The state has created legislation that will make it illegal to post pornographic or sexually explicit content involving minors on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This law will go into effect in January 2020, and violators will face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
This is a major step forward in protecting Utah’s children from online predators. Hopefully, by making this type of content illegal, we can stop more children from being hurt in the process.
The Dark Side of TikTok and Instagram: What Kids Are Doing on the Apps
Since its creation in 2011, TikTok has grown into one of the most popular apps on smartphone platforms. With over 200 million active users, it’s no wonder why. But like any other app with millions of users, there is a dark side.
Teens and children are using TikTok and Instagram to post videos that are harmful to their mental health, body image, and social media reputation. In some cases, these videos have gone viral and led to cyberbullying, which can be devastating for young people.
To help keep Utah kids safe online, the state is taking action by enforcing penalties for anyone who posts harmful content on these apps. These penalties include a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, social media providers are being asked to remove accounts that are violating child safety policies.
This effort is necessary because teens and kids can be easily influenced by others when they’re using these platforms. By educating them about the risks involved in using these apps, we can hope to keep Utah kids safe from harm while they’re online.
Utah: Taking Action to Keep Kids Safe Online
Utah is taking action to keep kids safe online. The state is leading the way in proactive measures to protect children from dangerous content on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In May, the Utah Legislature passed a bill that requires social media companies to create a Kids’ Safety Registry, which will list all violent and sexual content directed at minors.
The registry will help parents identify problematic content and take appropriate action. It will also help law enforcement track down criminals who may be targeting children online. This legislation is a step in the right direction, and other states should follow suit.
Conclusion
Recently, there has been a rise in suicides and self-harm among young people who use social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Brigham Young University’s Center for Family Policy is spearheading an effort to educate Utah high schoolers about the dangers of using social media. The campaign, which began last week, includes distributed pamphlets in schools and online ads targeted at teenagers. The center believes that by raising awareness of the dangers of social media, they can help push kids towards healthier lifestyles and discourage them from taking their own lives or harming themselves through self-harm.
