Social media has become an integral part of our daily routines, but it’s closely linked to a rise in mental health issues among teenagers and children. In response, advocates and lawmakers are pushing for new regulations to enhance the online safety of kids, with Attorney General Leticia James backing two bills aimed at this cause. “Studies have revealed that young individuals are now spending more time online than ever before, with teenagers typically being online for at least eight hours daily,” highlighted AG James, citing research by the U.S. Surgeon General showing that up to 95% of 13 to 17-year-olds use a social media platform.

James emphasized, “Social media is exacerbating a national crisis in youth mental health. It’s vital for us to address this crisis in the state of New York and ensure that our children are safeguarded online without being exploited for profit at the expense of their mental well-being.” The two bills in question are the SAFER Kids Online Act and the New York Child Protection Act. The SAFER Kids Online Act aims to compel social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to limit the impact of addictive algorithms on their sites. Educators speaking at a recent rally highlighted how students are arriving at school fatigued due to excessive late-night phone use, with the bill proposing restrictions on notifications and access between midnight and 6 am.

Melinda Person, President of the New York United Teachers, underlined, “Kids can’t focus in class because they admit to staying up all night scrolling on their phones.” Concurrently, the New York Child Protection Act seeks to prohibit the unauthorized collection, purchase, and dissemination of young people’s data. Supporters of these measures stress the need for safeguards to ensure that the benefits of modern technology do not outweigh the risks to children’s well-being. They emphasize that relying on big tech companies to self-regulate may not be effective, as these firms prioritize profit over the safety of young individuals.

Legislators in New York express frustration about the delayed action by Congress in implementing safety measures, pointing out that the last comprehensive child protection legislation for online platforms dates back to 1998. Senator Andrew Gounarde humorously remarked, “The last time Congress acted on child online protection, we were still receiving America Online discs in the mail every week and connecting to the internet via dial-up.” The advocates behind these policies clarify that their objective is not to prohibit social media but to make it a safer environment for young users.