Tennessee's New Social Media Law and Its Impact on Youth

Issue #385

28 Dec

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather | Showers with a High of 61

📰 Tennessee's New Social Media Law and Its Impact on Youth

💃 Circle Modern Dance Open House

📰 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

🪩 New Year’s Eve VIP Party

🪩 New Year’s Eve Silent Disco

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 76 in 2015 — Record Low: 4 in 1925


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Tennessee's New Social Media Law and Its Impact on Youth

Tennessee recently enacted a social media law aimed at protecting minors from the potential dangers of online platforms. Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, this legislation requires parental consent for minors under the age of 18 to open social media accounts. The law is part of a broader national conversation addressing youth mental health concerns tied to social media usage.

Under the law, social media platforms will be required to verify the ages of users and obtain parental approval for minors. Platforms must also provide clear avenues for parents to manage or revoke access to accounts. This legislation builds on similar measures introduced in Utah and Louisiana and reflects ongoing efforts across the United States to curb social media's impact on young people's mental health and well-being.

Critics of the legislation have raised concerns about its enforceability and potential implications for user privacy, while supporters argue that it is a necessary step toward protecting minors from harmful online content, cyberbullying, and screen addiction.

As the law's implementation draws closer, families, schools, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how these regulations shape the digital experiences of Tennessee’s youth.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Embark on an epic adventure to a galaxy far, far away as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) brings Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back to life like never before. Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 8:00 PM at Knoxville Civic Auditorium More Info

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]

Community:

Peppermint Trail Downtown: through January 5th, 2025. Follow peppermint sidewalk decals to discover delightful holiday treats like candy cane coffees, craft cocktails, and seasonal desserts. More Info

Meet Author Michael Westmoreland: on Sunday, December 29th, from Noon–2:00pm at The Kraken’s Cup for the release of his latest fantasy novel, Sons of Osiris: Regicide. 🎟️ Reserve tickets

Katie Holt in Conversation with Clare Gilmore: Union Ave Books is thrilled to host a special event featuring Holt’s debut novel, Not in My Book. Join them on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Union Ave Books, located at 517 Union Ave. More Info or direct RSVP link.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This is a free, in-person 8-hour training located at The Gateway, 530 W 5th Ave, Upstairs Conference Room, on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 from 9am - 4:30pm. Questions - please contact [email protected] or (865) 588-5550.

Questions - please contact [email protected] or (865) 588-5550.

Find additional events (including recurring events) on our Community Events page.

Food:

How Do You Brew?: Discover the diverse techniques and vessels for brewing tea, on Wednesday, January 15th from 6pm-8pm, limited seating- $35 per guest, More Info

Paint & Sip Tea Party: Discover your artistic flair with a fun, interactive painting class, paired with a selection of teas and butter cookies, on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6pm-8pm. All painting supplies & treats are provided. More Info & Tickets

Tea Flights: offered Mondays - Thursdays at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Limited to 4 people per group at $8.99/person. Call the store for more information (865) 985-0913.

Networking:

New Networking Group! North Knox Connections - first meeting is on Monday, January 13th at Life House Coffee, 7545 Brickyard Rd starting at 8:30am.

Canine-Focused Business Networking: For local businesses serving canine clients, Wednesday, January 8th and Friday, January 24th at 8:30am at Zoom Room, 10938 Spring Bluff Way.

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 13 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Circle Modern Dance Open House

Circle Modern Dance Open House: A Chance to Sample Winter Classes

Circle Modern Dance is hosting a free Open House on Sunday, January 5th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, located at 2906 Tazewell Pike #A.

This special event offers a sneak peek into their winter dance classes, with live demonstrations and opportunities to participate. Attendees will also enjoy exclusive discounts on class passes, making it the perfect time to start or continue your dance journey.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to the art, this open house is a welcoming opportunity to experience Circle Modern Dance’s creative community. Mark your calendar, and don’t miss this exciting chance to explore movement and self-expression!

Sunsphere 2025 New Year’s Eve VIP Party

Ring in 2025 with style at the Sunsphere Events New Year’s Eve VIP Party! This exclusive celebration takes place on Sunday, December 31st, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the iconic Sunsphere in Downtown Knoxville.

Guests will enjoy a premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music, a DJ, and spectacular views of Knoxville’s fireworks display at midnight. The event promises an unforgettable evening in one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Tickets are limited, so secure yours now to guarantee a spot at this one-of-a-kind celebration. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Sunsphere Events.

Cheers to 2025!

New Year’s Eve Silent Disco

Get ready to party like never before at Pretentious Beer Co.’s Silent Disco! Dress to impress, grab a beer, and hit the dance floor as multiple DJs spin music directly to your headphones. With three channels of music to choose from, you can groove to your own vibe all night long.

The event kicks off at 9 p.m. and is 21+ only. Tickets are $20, and space is limited, so don’t wait—this event sells out every year! Head to Pretentious Beer Co., 131 South Central Street, and get ready for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and fun. More Info & Tickets

Knoxville Real Estate Insider

Thank you for reading our articles each Saturday! We're taking a short break for Christmas but will return in 2025. See you then!

Do you have specific real estate questions you'd like answered? Submit a Question. A realtor will have an answer for you in the next issue of the Knoxville Real Estate Insider.

Are you a local realtor selling a home or property? Do you have an upcoming open house? Let us know at [email protected] or (865) 234-2421! We can include them here.

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