Social media has become an integral part of our daily routines, yet it is closely linked to the rise in mental health issues among teenagers and children. Advocates and legislators are working on introducing new regulations to enhance the safety of kids’ online interactions, with Attorney General Leticia James backing these initiatives. AG James highlighted the concerning increase in the amount of time young individuals spend online, particularly teenagers who are online for an average of eight hours each day. According to studies conducted by the U.S. Surgeon General, almost 95% of youths aged 13 to 17 use at least one social media platform.
James emphasized that social media is contributing to a crisis in youth mental health and underlined the need to address this issue promptly in the state of New York. She emphasized the importance of protecting children’s online experiences from being commercialized and jeopardizing their mental well-being. The proposed bills, the SAFER Kids Online Act and the New York Child Protection Act, are seeking to address these concerns.
The SAFER Kids Online Act aims to compel social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to curtail their addictive algorithms. Teachers speaking at a recent rally highlighted how students are showing signs of sleep deprivation due to excessive phone usage, impacting their performance in school. This bill also seeks to limit notifications and access during late hours to promote healthier online habits among children.
The New York Child Protection Act intends to prohibit the unauthorized collection, purchase, and sharing of minors’ data. Lawmakers argue that safeguarding children in today’s digitally advanced educational landscape is crucial, with the necessity for protective measures outweighing potential negative consequences. They stress that relying on big tech companies to self-regulate may not be effective, as these firms prioritize profits over the well-being of young people.
New York state officials criticize the slow progress in implementing online safety regulations at the federal level, citing the lack of comprehensive legislation since 1998. Supporters of these policy proposals clarify that the objective is not to ban social media but to improve its safety for users.