New York seeks public feedback for kids social media safety law draft

Submit your feedback to help shape New York's children's online safety rules

August 5, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Attorney General Letitia James is seeking public feedback on new rules to protect children from harmful social media features and data collection. Photo: Bebeto Matthews/AP

Social media and youth mental health: a U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory

The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory warns about several dangers of social media use for children and teenagers, especially concerning their mental health.

First, spending too much time on social media can harm kids’ mental health. Studies show that teens who use social media for more than three hours a day are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. The constant engagement can make them feel worse about themselves and their lives.

Second, the kind of content kids see on social media can be harmful. They can easily come across extreme and inappropriate content, like videos or posts about self-harm and suicide. Seeing this kind of material can make these behaviors seem normal and can be particularly harmful to kids who are already struggling with their mental health.

Third, social media often makes kids compare themselves to others, leading to body image issues and eating disorders. Many teenagers, especially girls, feel bad about their bodies after looking at photos and videos online. This comparison can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and unhealthy eating habits.

Fourth, social media can expose kids to dangerous people. There are adults who use these platforms to exploit children, either by trying to get them to send inappropriate pictures or by threatening to share their private information unless they pay money. This kind of harassment and abuse is especially harmful to girls and transgender youth, who often feel sad, anxious, and scared as a result.

Finally, using social media too much can disrupt important activities like sleeping and paying attention in school. Social media apps are designed to keep kids hooked, with features like notifications and endless scrolling.

This can lead to compulsive use, where kids feel like they can’t stop checking their phones. This behavior can cause sleep problems, making it hard for kids to get the rest they need, and can also make them feel left out and distracted.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory provides practical steps for teens and parents to navigate social media safely while urging them to advocate for stronger protections from their elected officials. Parents are advised to create family media plans that set clear boundaries for social media use, establish tech-free zones, and model responsible social media behavior.

They should also educate their children about the benefits and risks of social media, encouraging open discussions about their online experiences and ensuring they know how to report cyberbullying and online abuse.

Teens should limit their screen time, especially before bed, and be cautious about sharing personal information online. They should also seek help from trusted adults if they encounter harmful content or interactions on social media.

The advisory encourages parents and teens to advocate for stronger regulations to protect youth online. They should urge their elected officials to enforce age-appropriate health and safety standards for social media platforms, demand higher data privacy standards, and ensure transparency from tech companies about the health impacts of their platforms.

Additionally, they should call for the creation of scientific advisory committees to inform policies aimed at protecting children online. By pushing for these changes, families can help create a safer digital environment for all children and adolescents.