# Meta and parents share responsibility for social media addiction > Meta and parents must both act to reduce teen social media addiction - Title: Meta and parents share responsibility for social media… - Summary: Meta and parents must both act to reduce teen social media addiction Meta and parents share responsibility for curbing social media addiction in teens - Keywords: meta, parents, social media addiction, teens, facebook, instagram, ap psychology, parental monitoring, screen time, child safety, news, local - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the-editor/2026/09/19/meta-social-media-facebook-flock-video-gambling-ballys - Published: 2026-09-19T11:30:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: meta, parents, social media addiction, teens, facebook, instagram, ap psychology, parental monitoring, screen time, child safety, news, local ## Parenting matters Parents must have regular conversations with teens about online experiences to reduce screen time and problematic social media use. > In my AP Psychology class, I learned about nature and nurture ## Meta's design flaws Meta's apps are designed to appeal to younger users, contributing to social media addiction among teens. > Meta should absolutely be held accountable for how its apps are purposely designed ## Parental monitoring helps A 2024 study found parental monitoring and screen time limits reduce problematic social media use in teens. > A 2024 study of more than 10,000 12- and 13-year-olds found parental monitoring associated with lower screen time ## Privacy concerns Parents should not constantly invade children's privacy to protect them online. > This conclusion does not mean parents should constantly invade their children's privacy ## Flock safety Cities are cutting ties with Flock Safety due to privacy and safety concerns. > Cities, towns and colleges around the country are cutting ties with Flock Safety ## Flock's role Flock is a surveillance technology used by police that requires strict access guidelines to prevent misuse. > Flock claims it's made changes to police forces to limit who can access camera data ## Video gambling licenses Chicago small businesses need video gambling licenses to cover rising operating costs. > Small businesses in North Lawndale are struggling with rising costs and thin profit margins ## VGT revenue Video gambling terminals could provide supplemental revenue for small businesses in North Lawndale. > VGT revenue could serve as economic gap insurance for businesses ## Medicaid cuts Illinois Medicaid cuts threaten pregnant and new mothers with increased child welfare system involvement. > Chapin Hall's 2025 review shows Medicaid expansion reduces child welfare system involvement ## Home visiting programs Illinois home visiting programs help new parents through pregnancy and early childhood. > Illinois funds home visiting programs whose trained professionals work with new parents at home ## Universal Newborn Support Illinois will launch a universal newborn support system by 2028 to help families after birth. > By 2028, Illinois will launch the Universal Newborn Support System Framework ## Driverless vehicles Illinois lawmakers should delay driverless vehicle deployment near schools until safety is proven. > Chicago's children deserve streets designed around their needs, not new technology ## Safe Passage Safe Passage Program provides safe walking and biking routes for Chicago Public Schools students. > Safe Passage workers are stationed outside schools greeting students and helping them cross busy intersections ## Driverless risks Driverless vehicles have been involved in crashes and failed to follow traffic laws in other cities. > Autonomous vehicles have been involved in crashes, passed stopped school buses, and failed to adhere to basic traffic laws ## Women's autonomy Women deserve bodily autonomy without requiring extreme cases to be discussed. > A woman's humanity and bodily autonomy should not depend on whether her situation is tragic enough ## Bodily rights Women's right to bodily autonomy should not be conditional on extreme circumstances. > We women are capable of making our own decisions ## Key takeaway Meta and parents share responsibility for curbing social media addiction in teens