Courts Increasingly Look at Children’s Involvement with and Exposure to Social Media and Other Online Matters
It’s the 21st century, so it should come as no surprise that the digital wellbeing of minor children has become a key concern in Texas divorce cases. That can involve things like virtual visitation, as well as disputes over access to digital accounts and information.
The Overwhelming Access by Minor Children to Digital Content
Though age restrictions are ostensibly in place limiting access to the internet by minors, studies show that the vast majority of minors use social media every day…about 95% of teens between 13 and 17 and nearly half of all children between the ages of 8 and 12.
How Texas Is Addressing the Digital Well-Being of Children of Divorce
The Texas legislature has been proactive in its efforts to protect all minors from harmful exposure to digital content:
- In 2024, the legislature enacted the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, which mandates that social medial platforms provide parents with tools to limit, restrict and monitor digital content used by anyone under the age of 18
- A new law, the App Store Accountability Act, which went into effect at the beginning of the year, requires that app providers verify the age of users and obtain explicit consent from parents before a minor can purchase or download an app
- When parents come into conflict regarding access to digital information, the court has the authority to intervene and set rules, following the general principle of the “best interests of the child.”
Contact DTX Family Law for Sound Advice in a Texas Divorce
At DTX Family Law, we built our reputation and practice by focusing on the needs and best interests of our clients. We have an extensive knowledge and understanding of Texas divorce laws and procedures, including any issues related to college funding in a divorce proceeding. We’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties and the municipalities of Keller, Euless, Hurst, Colleyville, Bedford, Crowley, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Haslet, Saginaw, Watauga, Richland Hills, White Settlement, River Oaks, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Westover Hills, Lakeside, Pelican Bay and North Richland Hills