Heard on the news that parents are joining in a lawsuit against social media platforms. They accuse those platforms of using methods to attract and keep users, especially younger children. They are designed to keep them looking!

Well now, what a shocker. A company is attempting to attract users and keep them using their product. I just can’t imagine what they are thinking. Must be something nefarious for certain! And targeting young people too. Good thing toy companies have never done that, can you imagine where we would be today?

How do children access these social media sites? I understand the kids today have “notepads” or whatever they call those things. They use them for school, but it is cell phones that are most frequently used. Where do children get cell phones? Their parents purchase and pay for them.

It is there were I take issue with this lawsuit. Parents are responsible for what their children do! I know, that’s old school thinking, believing you as a parent are responsible. If you allow your child to have unrestricted use of a cell phone, you are responsible for whatever they do with it. Social media companies are not responsible for that!

It is not up to the provider to monitor your children! Are the publishers of pornographic magazines responsible if little Johnny gets one? If that were the case all those publishers would have long since been sued out of existence! Is it Jack Daniels fault if you child drinks alcohol? The answer is no. You are responsible for that. I realize we blamed Joe Camel for kids smoking and banned that, kids kept on smoking anyway.

I think it is ridiculous to blame the social media outlets for any of that. Companies provide items that can be harmful to everyone if they are misused. Are the drug manufacturers responsible for your addiction. No, they are not.

The bottom line for me is simple enough, companies are in business to make money. To make money they attract customers. Then, the hope is to keep those customers returning, create a brand loyalty! It is the responsibly of the parents to restrict access to anything you don’t want your child exposed too.

I’m no expert on cellphone technology but I do know there are parental controls on those devices. Will that stop every child? No, it won’t kids will find a way. There is no way a social media platform can monitor and determine just who is using their site.

Parents have the ultimate control, just take away the cell phone if they are found to be abusing that privilege. Yes, establish that understanding with your child. Having a cell phone is a privilege, not a right. Children should have to earn that privilege. If you allow your child to be harmed by that device, it’s your fault!

Kids and cell phones. You are giving them access to everything! You really think that is a good idea? Unrestricted access? I can tell you one thing for certain; they are not looking up “educational” material.