In California, there might soon be some changes to how kids interact with social media, thanks to a couple of proposed bills aimed at reducing their addictive features.
The bills, known as AB 1709 and AB 2, have reportedly made it through the state Senate Appropriations Committee and could land on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk by August 31, when the legislative session wraps up.
AB 1709 seeks to prevent social media platforms from using features that are addictive for users under 16, while AB 2 would enable parents and minors to take legal action against these platforms for damages if a minor is harmed.
Rep. Josh Lowenthal, a Democrat from Long Beach who backs both initiatives, pointed out that there’s a widespread concern about children’s engagement with social media, cutting across different political and demographic areas.
“There’s definitely been a noticeable shift in recent years. Parents from all walks of life seem to be aligned on this—they want regulation and to see actions taken on behalf of their kids,” Lowenthal remarked, expressing not just his legislative perspective but also his concerns as a father.
“It’s crucial that we act because our kids’ well-being is at stake,” he added. He particularly highlighted features like automatic scrolling and notifications, which he feels are significant contributors to social media addiction.
Lowenthal noted that children can spend as much as five hours daily on social media, and on weekends or holidays, that time might surpass what they spend in school.
However, AB 1709 doesn’t completely bar kids from using these platforms. Instead, it suggests offering options like chronological feeds that lack the standard addictive functionalities. This legislative move comes in the wake of various governments globally exploring similar restrictions on younger users’ access to social media.
In his recent address, Newsom pointed out how Australia has implemented its own restrictions to limit children’s social media access and urged California to step up its efforts on this front.
Yet, not everyone is pleased with these potential regulations. Some youth advocacy groups, particularly from the LGBTQ and neurodiverse communities, have expressed concerns that such laws might hinder young people’s ability to connect online.
There’s also pushback from the tech industry, which argues these regulations could lead to lawsuits and infringe upon free speech rights. The complete state Senate is expected to make a decision on whether to advance these bills within the next two weeks, potentially sending them to Newsom for approval.
