Disputes about Parental Control over a Child’s Social Media Use

 Posted on September 20, 2024 in Child Custody

With increasing concerns about the mental health and safety of children related to online activity, Texas recently enacted a law giving parents the authority to monitor and restrict what their child does on social media. Parental approval can also be required when children create their own accounts. Unfortunately, when divorced parents with shared custody are not on the same page about their child’s internet use, it can be a source of added tension. If you and your ex disagree about how your child’s social media activity should be restricted, an experienced Dallas, TX family law attorney can offer useful guidance.

Parental Control of Social Media Explained

Texas recently enacted the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, giving parents the legal authority to access any social media accounts belonging to their children. They can monitor and limit the amount of time their child spends on these platforms and restrict the content that they can engage with.

The SCOPE Act also restricts social media companies from collecting data on minors and requires them to ban targeted advertising and advertising for things that are illegal for minors. They are also required to block content that relates to:

• Substance abuse
• Suicide
• Harassment and bullying
• Sexual abuse, exploitation, or traffic
• Child pornography

Court Intervention When Parents Disagree about Social Media Restrictions

Texas courts prefer arrangements where both parents share custody, although one is usually considered the primary conservator. Even though the child probably spends more time with one parent, both have a say in decisions about her well-being. For example, both can decide what is appropriate in terms of the child’s social media use. This can present a problem if one believes that the child is responsible and deserves the freedom to explore online, but the other thinks stricter limits should be imposed on their internet use.

Children might have a different set of rules with each parent. There may be different bedtimes, morning routines, and rules about screen time at each house. However, since internet use can have implications beyond when something is seen or posted, different rules with different parents might not work. If you and your ex disagree about restricting your child’s social media use, you may need to request a court order to enforce guidelines for both of you to follow.

When you seek a judge’s ruling about this, keep in mind that it might not go the way you plan. As with all issues that can affect a child, when a court makes a decision, the child’s best interest is given top priority. If the judge disagrees with how you see things, you might end up with a legal obligation to maintain internet habits that go against your wishes. The best way to plead your case is to bring evidence of your claims. For example, if you believe internet use is detrimental to your child’s development and education, you can show how his grades suffer when he spends more time on social media. Of course, an experienced family law attorney can contribute enormously to a successful case.

Speak with a Tarrant County, TX Joint Conservatorship Lawyer

If your ex disagrees with how you want to restrict your child’s social media use, a seasoned Dallas, TX family law attorney can help. At Law Office of Michelle Poblenz we are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and helping families overcome challenges. Call us at 469-845-3031 for a private consultation.