New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have announced new actions to protect children online and prevent dangerous health consequences of addictive social media platforms. On Wednesday, state leaders highlighted two bills. The “Child Data Protection Act” would prohibit online platforms from collecting and sharing personal data of minors without consent. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act would limit addictive features of social media platforms that are known to harm mental health and development.Recent research has shown devastating mental health effects associated with children and young adults’ social media use, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. The attorney general’s office says dangerous, viral ‘challenges’ are also being promoted through social media, which has further endangered children and young adults. “Social media platforms are fueling a national youth mental health crisis that is harming children’s wellbeing and safety,” said Attorney General James. Other states and countries have enacted laws to limit the personal data that online platforms can collect from minors. Right now, no such restrictions exist in New York. “Our kids are in crisis, and the adults in the room need to step up,” said Hochul. “The statistics are extraordinarily disturbing,” Hochul said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have announced new actions to protect children online and prevent dangerous health consequences of addictive social media platforms.
On Wednesday, state leaders highlighted two bills. The “Child Data Protection Act” would prohibit online platforms from collecting and sharing personal data of minors without consent. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act would limit addictive features of social media platforms that are known to harm mental health and development.
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Recent research has shown devastating mental health effects associated with children and young adults’ social media use, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.
The attorney general’s office says dangerous, viral ‘challenges’ are also being promoted through social media, which has further endangered children and young adults.
“Social media platforms are fueling a national youth mental health crisis that is harming children’s wellbeing and safety,” said Attorney General James.
Other states and countries have enacted laws to limit the personal data that online platforms can collect from minors. Right now, no such restrictions exist in New York.
“Our kids are in crisis, and the adults in the room need to step up,” said Hochul.
“The statistics are extraordinarily disturbing,” Hochul said.
