He also signed a bill prohibiting social media companies from employing techniques that could cause minors to develop an “addiction” to the platforms.

The former is the first state law in the US prohibiting social media services from allowing access to minors without parental consent. The state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed bills earlier this month, despite opposition from civil liberties groups. Of course, teens will work out a way of getting around these things, teens always do. But they may not forget that their parents voted for a party which forced them into bizzare workarounds.

Cox claimed it was all to protect teens from predatory social media companies who “were harming the mental health of teens.” A bit like religion then.

Under the law parents or guardians will have access all of their children’s posts and platforms will be required to block users younger than 18 from accessing accounts between 10.30pm and 6.30am unless parents modify the settings. Having autocratic parents who spy on their children is bound to have a profound impact on their mental health right?

The laws prohibit social media companies from advertising to minors, collecting information about them or targeting content to them.