New York considers parental control over teenagers' social networks

New York is diving headfirst into the debate over social media and teens, with a bill poised for a vote that would limit how platforms provide content to young users.

No social media algorithms for minors without parental consent

Lawmakers have reached a tentative agreement on a bill, the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, that would require parental consent for social media algorithms aimed at teenagers, according to the Wall Street Journal. Teens wouldn't see the curated stream of content that social media platforms use to keep users engaged. Parents should give the go-ahead for these feeds. Additionally, teens wouldn't be bombarded with social media notifications during designated quiet hours, likely to promote better sleep and reduce nighttime scrolling. The bill is still being finalized and should be voted on this week, the newspaper said.

Protecting teens from harmful content

Supporters of the bill, including Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, say algorithmic feeds can expose teens to violence, inappropriate content and addictive loops. According to Hochul, heavy use by adolescents has contributed to an increase in cases of mental illness. The bill allows parents to be more involved in their children's social media experience. They can decide whether social media feeds are appropriate and set limits on nightly notifications.

Free speech concerns

The social media industry says the restrictions could be unconstitutional, potentially limiting free speech and access to information. They believe it would be more effective to focus on media literacy. They obtained court injunctions blocking other states' regulations from taking effect.

New York in the lead

If passed, New York would be the first state to regulate content distribution in this way. However, California is considering similar restrictions, and Florida recently banned social media accounts for anyone under 14, regardless of parental consent. The report explains that lawmakers in New York and California hope their approach will be adopted because it regulates how streams are assembled and does not restrict any particular type of content.