By Nicky Smith
March 25, 2025
In a world where social media has rapidly infiltrated every aspect of daily life, especially for our children, it’s refreshing to see lawmakers finally taking a stand to protect the most vulnerable among us. North Carolina House Bill 301, titled “Social Media Protections for Minors Under 16,” is a step in the right direction—and a much-needed one.
This bill would prohibit children under 14 from creating accounts on social media platforms. Teenagers aged 14 and 15 would require parental or guardian permission to open and maintain an account. While some may see this as government overreach, it’s a common-sense response to an urgent and growing problem: the negative impact of social media on our children’s social, emotional, and educational development.
Parents across North Carolina—and the country—are witnessing firsthand the toll social media takes on kids. From anxiety and depression to cyberbullying and sleep deprivation, the constant pressure to engage, perform, and compare has created a toxic environment for young minds still developing their sense of self.
Studies have shown a direct link between heavy social media use and increased levels of depression in adolescents. It’s not just the content—the endless scrolling, the addictive algorithms, the curated lives of influencers, and the digital echo chambers that breed insecurity and misinformation.
Beyond mental health, social media is eroding kids’ ability to focus, form real-life friendships, and engage in meaningful learning. Children who spend hours on platforms daily often fall behind in school, struggle to communicate face-to-face, and show decreased interest in physical activity or creative hobbies.
HB301 isn’t just about restrictions—it’s about bringing parents back into the conversation. If this bill becomes law, parents of 14-and 15-year-olds will be required to actively participate in their child’s online experience. They’ll have the power not only to approve but also to revoke a child’s access to social platforms. That’s real empowerment for families navigating the digital age with intention and care.
And with penalties of up to $50,000 per violation for social media companies, the bill sends a clear message: our children’s well-being is not up for negotiation.
The bill also addresses harmful online content beyond social media, pushing for age-verification systems on sites where over a third of the content could be deemed detrimental to minors. This includes sexually explicit or patently offensive material—content that has no place in a child’s digital world.
By creating accountability for commercial entities and providing families with the legal tools to act against violations, North Carolina shows authentic leadership in a space where unchecked algorithms and profit-driven tech giants have long dominated.
Parents—this is our moment. Whether or not HB301 becomes law, the conversation has begun. We must be vigilant, proactive, and engaged in what our kids see, share, and absorb online.
This bill gives us hope that we’re turning a corner. It acknowledges that kids don’t need another distraction, another dopamine hit, or another unrealistic standard to measure themselves against. They need protection, guidance, and a chance to grow up without the overwhelming noise of the internet shaping their identities.
Let’s support legislation like this, demand accountability from tech platforms, and, most importantly—stay involved in our children’s digital lives. Their future depends on it.
Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.
Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
