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Dear LD25 Friends,
In my last email, I shared concerns about the growing influence of social media on our children and the need for greater accountability from Big Tech. I appreciate the strong response and thoughtful feedback many of you have provided so far. Keep it coming!
One thing is for sure: it is clear this issue is not only timely, but deeply personal for families across Arizona.
Since then, the conversation has only continued to grow. More parents, educators, and community members are speaking out about what they are seeing firsthand: platforms that shape what young people are exposed to, often without transparency or meaningful parental input.
This is exactly why legislation like HB2920 and SB1747 is so important.
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What I’m Hearing from You
Many of you shared a common concern: parents feel like they are losing control. A parent who I am close with confided in me that, even though she and her husband thought they had tight parental controls on their son's phone, he found loopholes that Big Tech built into the phones to get access to content that was not age appropriate.
Stories like this are heartbreaking because we do our best as parents to protect the innocence of our children, but, in the end, it feels like the big guy (Big Tech) always wins and we are at its mercy.
The reality that parents are grappling with is: PARENTAL CONTROLS ARE NOT ENOUGH! Big Tech is finding ways around these settings.
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You’ve told me:
- You want clearer insight into what your children are seeing online
- You want the ability to make informed decisions as a parent
- You do not want decisions about your children being made by tech companies behind closed doors
These are reasonable expectations, and they deserve to be reflected in public policy.
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Why This Matters Now
Social media is no longer just a communication tool. It is shaping how young people think, interact, and understand the world around them.
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When algorithms decide what content is promoted or hidden, it raises serious questions about fairness, influence, and long-term impact, especially on minors. Without transparency, parents are left trying to navigate a system they cannot see or fully understand.
That is not acceptable.
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What Happens Next
As these bills (HB2920 and SB1747) move forward, I will continue working with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members, but especially parents, to ensure they strike the right balance: protecting free speech while also protecting children and empowering parents.
This is not about restricting access or limiting innovation. It is about setting reasonable expectations for companies that have significant influence over our daily lives, particularly when it comes to young users.
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Your voice continues to play an important role in this process.
I encourage you to stay engaged, share your experiences, and continue providing feedback as we move forward.
Together, we can ensure that Arizona leads in protecting families while respecting the freedoms that make our state strong.
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| What would help you feel more confident about your child’s social media use? |
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Thank you again for your input and continued engagement.
Sincerely,
Michael Carbone
Majority Leader
Arizona House of Representatives |
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