DEAR EDITOR:

The “Tide Pod Challenge” in 2018; “Hyundai / Kia Theft Challenge” since last year; and now “Just One Chip Challenge” that cost the life of a 14-year-old.

What is the common denominator? They all originated on various social media platforms. Perhaps it is time social media sites be regulated at the federal level.

To be honest, my 9-year-old is not permitted on social media and probably never will be. Between these “challenges” that can and do cause harm to life and limb, and the ever-increasing threat of pedophiles and bullying online, social media absolutely needs to be regulated at the federal level.

But wait! What about freedom of speech? In today’s world, many have forgotten a lesson I was taught in high school and during my college days. The right to free speech ends where the rights / safety / well-being of others is infringed upon. (Think about yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater or the volumes of civil law relating to libel and slander.)

Let’s face it, adolescents (and even many adults I know) are impulsive, risk-taking and easily impressionable. It goes back to the old saying “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you?” I’m not sure about everyone else, but I’m not about to jump off a bridge to look cool.

It’s time for our lawmakers to stop being bought and sold by special interests and pass legislation to ensure there are safety nets in place to keep our kids safe via robust and fool-proof age verification methods before hitting the acceptance of the terms and conditions. Perhaps getting our kids less connected would have an added benefit of our youth’s mental health crisis by having more face time than screen time.

BRIAN FIX

Boardman