In other areas, the government at least TRIES to enforce age requirements. Thus, a movie theater that allows 11 year olds watch R movies or a bar that winks at fake IDs and has a lot of repeat clientel under the age of 21–or even 18–runs a risk that the laws will be enforced. In statutory rape cases, it is no defense that the underage partner claimed to be over the age of consent.
But nothing is done to FB or other media sources when they let underage children into adult sites. Yes, you can blame the parents, but it is HARD to police a teen’s use of social media. I don’t believe for a second that FB isn’t aware that many participants are below the age for “authorized” use.
And why are we allowing FB or instagram to determine what IS the appropriate age to use social media? Isn’t that an issue that should be a matter of public policy?