It seems as though technology is being used by more and more children. One Colorado man is taking the initiative to stop underage smartphone use. This all started with a non-profit organization know as PAUS (Parents Against Underage Smartphones). Farnum started this organization after he said his eleven and thirteen-year-old sons became "Quiet, reclusive, and moody."
So let's reflect. If this "ban" were made legal what kind of repercussions would the offenders face? Under the PAUS proposal, purchasing and/or purchasing on the behalf of a person under the age of thirteen would leave a first offender with a simple warning. Second time offenders are stuck with a hefty five hundred dollar fine. Each offense after that doubles the fine each time. For example, third time offenders are charged with a one thousand dollar fine, fourth offenders are charged with two thousand dollar fine, and so on.
Many people disagree with Farnum's proposal, and some people even find it unconstitutional. On the behalf of PAUS and it's many supporters, Farnum started a petition take this to Congress. Though he does have many concerned parent followers, there are still many people who do not stand behind this motive. One of those people is Senator John Kefalas. Senator Kefalas firmly believes that issues such as these should be handled within ones' home, but is it unconstitutional? Though studies prove that many adolescents in today's society receive far too much screen time, making this proposal valid, This is bringing the government into families across America, and could possibly use federal tax dollars to do so.
If PAUS' proposal is granted, where are the funds going to come from to enforce these restrictions?Many people are hesitant to back the cause due to the uncertainty of where these funds would come from. On top of this concern, economists predict the economy would drop slowly due to a reduction in purchases of smartphones themselves, as well as phone plans, accessories and so much more. Though there are many negatives to this proposal, there are some positives as well. These "pros" include reduction of screen time, reduction in cancer as a result of too much electronic use, and as many members of PAUS argue, it would "make kids, kids again".
In conclusion: The non-profit organization PAUS is sweeping the nation's headlines in efforts to limit the use of smartphones among children by banning the use of said smartphones from all children under thirteen. The question now is. Are you pro or con PAUS?
