Publicly available surveys and studies on social media usage among teenagers

New York Unanimously Passes SAFE for Kids Act to Limit Addictive Social Media Feeds

Jun 7, 2024, 07:16 PM

New York has become the first state in the United States to pass legislation aimed at limiting addictive social media feeds for children and teenagers. The state Senate unanimously passed the SAFE for Kids Act, which restricts social media platforms from using recommendation algorithms that can negatively impact young users' mental health. This landmark legislation was the result of extensive advocacy efforts, including lobby days in Albany, numerous meetings with state leaders, and thousands of calls and emails from constituents. Key figures in this legislative effort included Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Attorney General, and Senators Gounardes and Nily Rozic. The legislation also includes the New York Child Data Protection Act, further safeguarding children's online experiences. The move is seen as a significant step in addressing the public health issue posed by social media's influence on young people.