A recent survey shows Pennsylvania parents support setting 14 as the minimum age for social media accounts, aligning with the national average in a debate over protecting children online.

The survey of 3,000 parents nationwide, conducted by Test Prep Insight, found widespread support for stricter social media regulations following the surgeon general's warning about social media's effects on youth mental health.

Parents in Maine, North Dakota and Utah favored an even higher minimum age of 16, while Wyoming parents were most lenient, suggesting age 12 as appropriate.

Cyberbullying topped the list of parental concerns, with 42% citing it as their primary worry. Exposure to inappropriate content worried 32% of respondents.

The survey revealed strong backing for enforcement, with 83% of parents supporting harsher penalties for social media companies that allow underage users on their platforms.

Half of parents reported maintaining full access to their children's accounts and regularly monitoring activities. Another 32% said they occasionally check their children's social media use.

Most parents also want schools involved, with 82% saying it's either extremely or very important for schools to teach responsible social media use.

The findings come as Pennsylvania legislators consider House Bill 2017 and Senate Bill 22, introduced in February 2024. The proposed legislation would require parental consent for users under 18 and prohibit companies from collecting data on minors.

"Parents across the nation are clearly worried about the influence of social media on their children," said Matt Ross of Test Prep Insight. "These survey results underscore just how important it is for policymakers to work on solutions."