**Governor of Querétaro Proposes Ban on Social Media for Under-14s**
Mauricio Kuri González, the governor of Querétaro and member of the National Action Party, has proposed a legislative initiative aimed at restricting social media access for children under 14. The proposal was presented to senators Guadalupe Murguía Gutiérrez and Agustín Dorantes Lámbarri from the same party.
In a statement, Kuri González highlighted the rising concerns about isolation, anxiety, insomnia, and depression among children and adolescents across the country. “Social media should be for those older than 14 with parental consent and completely restricted for younger children,” he asserted in a social media post.
The governor’s initiative also suggests banning cellphone use in educational institutions and increasing penalties for online harassment. Additionally, it calls for parental permission for social media use by teenagers aged 15 to 17 and proposes the creation of “Youth Zones” for safe social and cultural interactions.
Kuri González pointed out that in the past year, 45% of young people in Querétaro experienced distress affecting their daily activities like school participation. He noted a 15% rise in anxiety and an 18% increase in depression cases linked to social media usage.
He emphasized the gravity of lost privacy among young users who share personal information and photos online, which can be accessed by strangers. Reported online-related crimes have risen, with around 36 cases of bullying, cyberbullying, or sexual harassment reported weekly in Querétaro, mainly targeting girls and young women.
Meta, the owner of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has reportedly expressed support for the initiative to regulate minors’ social media access.
**Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Social Media’s Impact on Youth Mental Health**
Across the globe, governments and organizations are grappling with the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. Recently, several studies have highlighted connections between social media use and increased levels of anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among youth.
The World Health Organization has urged policymakers to consider comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts, including digital literacy programs and parental controls. In response, countries like the UK and Australia are exploring laws to enhance online safety for minors.
In the United States, there has been a growing push for tech companies to adopt more robust measures in protecting younger users. Some lawmakers are advocating for minimum age requirements and tighter privacy controls on platforms popular among teenagers.
Experts suggest that while technology plays a vital role in connecting people, it is crucial to strike a balance to ensure the mental and emotional well-being of the younger generations. Parents and educators are encouraged to engage in open conversations with children about their online experiences and to promote healthy digital usage habits.