California is taking a stand against the potentially harmful effects of social media on children. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed groundbreaking legislation aimed at combating the addictive strategies employed by tech companies to keep children glued to their screens for extended periods of time. This move follows a similar law passed in New York earlier this year.
The new legislation will prevent online platforms from providing minors with addictive feeds without parental consent. It also prohibits these platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night. Governor Newsom emphasized the negative impact of social media addiction on children, including isolation, stress, and wasted hours.
Another bill currently awaiting the governor’s signature seeks to limit student access to cellphones during school hours. This aligns with Newsom’s previous calls for school districts to implement such restrictions. The legislation, authored by Senator Nancy Skinner, represents a growing effort to address the detrimental effects of technology on children.
Many parents and children may not be aware of the sophisticated algorithms used by tech companies to keep users engaged on their platforms. The addictive feeds generated by these algorithms are designed to suggest content based on users’ past interactions. The new law aims to shift social media platforms to using chronological feeds as the default setting for children, displaying posts in the order they were uploaded.
This legislation builds on previous efforts to protect children online, including the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act. This act requires online platforms to prioritize children’s well-being by establishing default privacy and safety settings. However, regulating social media can face challenges, as seen with a recent lawsuit filed by NetChoice, an online business trade association, against the 2022 law.
While the legal battle continues, California remains committed to safeguarding children from the potential harms of social media addiction. By implementing these laws, the state aims to create a safer online environment for young users, promoting their mental and physical health and well-being. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of children in the digital age.
