Push to regulate children’s social media use

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– There’s only two weeks left of the legislative session. Before lawmakers head back to their districts, the governor wants them to pass social media legislation as a way to help protect the mental health of young people.

Governor Kathy Hochul said social media feeds created by algorithms are harmful to kid’s mental health. She’s calling for changes to be made to New York’s laws. One bill would allow parental consent before providing children with this type of feed.

“Parents should have the right on their own to say enough is enough, I want my children to get rest and not be pulled in to this 24 hours a day and to be able to shut off from midnight until 6pm,” said Hochul. “That seems very basic.”

In an interview with News10, Dr. Jim Saperstone weighed in.

“As a pediatrician, it becomes a real important issue in discussing this with parents,” explained Saperstone. There’s so much in the way of anxiety and depression and we just see so much of it.”

Dr. Saperstone said while he doesn’t blame it all on social media, he thinks it does play a role.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Hochul was asked about conversations being had with social media companies.

“I think we are making some progress,” said the governor. “Some of the responsible companies are already taking steps on their own and I commend them, but we have to bring everyone to the table and they should be proud of the fact that they’re working in a state that cares enough about our kids that we will stand up for them.”

Hochul also spoke about way kids are currently getting around social media age requirements.

“I’ll tell you right now, there will be more controls than just giving your birthdate. Because the very smart people I sat with on Friday told me, they said it’s kind of a joke, because they know how to change the date of a birthday.”

When asked by reporters what kind of controls would be added, she said they are working it out in the legislation.

Hochul would also like to see another bill pass that would prohibit online sites from collecting, using, and selling children’s personal data.

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