What’s really weird to me is that it’s usually the right who pushes these kinds of things. Yet in the same breath they talk about personal liberties and freedoms. I truly don’t understand why the right continually wants MORE government involvement in certain issues while while saying parents and individuals are responsible for others.
Hey, I have a good idea if we are concerned about our society. Let’s get rid of everyone’s guns.
Just a caution about making this political.
That said, a few points to your posts:
1) This isn't asking the government to limit what "we" can view. It's putting an age restriction. I think those are two very different things. I have zero issues with gambling, p0rn, social media etc being out there and available. I do have issues with it being available for children. We have age restrictions for all kinds of things. This is one that I feel should be added to that list. And that's very different than limiting it for everyone.
2. In case you question where I'm coming from, I don't support any kind of book bannings. Or restrictions on cannabis or even other drugs. Zero religious component from me. To me, this is a health issue. And from a health standpoint, I would strongly support something like this. As others have mentioned, I think a lower age is more reasonable, but I do think putting an age restriction makes sense.
3. This doesn't just impact those accessing social media. There are legitimate harms to others through the use of social media by children. And, in a broader sense, harm to the overall community when it affects so many. I view it similar to seatbelt laws. You not wearing a seatbelt doesn't hurt me directly, but as a whole, we are all better when we do it collectively.
4. When I view things like this, I try to consider the harm of taking it away. Saying a 9 year old can't create a TikTok account isn't causing "harm", IMO. We already know there can be work arounds, especially if, as a parent, you REALLY want your kid to have that account, you can help them out. But, setting this restriction will hopefully help others realize the harms we are seeing and at least more will respond by just having their children wait until they are a bit older to partake in social media.
ETA -- And yes, I'm in favor of getting rid of guns. Again, from a health standpoint.