If you’re doing any sort of lesson on digital footprint… better throw this in the mix.
California has just approved Senate Bill 568, which will essentially work like an erase button for teens.
“Legislation signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown will require Web sites, apps, and online services geared toward minors to offer, by 2015, the option of removing information posted by minors should they request it. The motivation behind the law is to prevent young adults from being haunted by youthful indiscretions.”
It’s going to be interesting to see how this all pans out and if other states follow suit…. but with backing from Common Sense Media, it’s more than likely that it’s going to catch on.
If you’ve have ever had a teenager in your Facebook feed, you read this with a fist pump of delight. But we need to remember – and also remind the kids – that this isn’t a total erase. There really is no such thing anymore…. the Internet doesn’t forget.
I wonder though, will kids hear about this law and think they’ve just got carte blanche? Like, I can go post more ridiculous stuff, because then I’ll just hit restart?
Or will it work in the opposite way? Prompting them to be more aware?
I mean, sure you could erase all of your posts from high school… but what if you’ve been spending your time online creating something worthwhile?