Your teen heard New York is “banning social media” and wants to know what’s actually happening.
What happened: New York’s attorney general released detailed rules on 16 September for the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. Social media companies will be prohibited from showing algorithm-driven feeds to users under 18 unless they get explicit parental permission. Instead of personalised content designed to keep teens scrolling, under-18 users will see chronological feeds showing posts in the order they were made.
Read more: New York’s ban on addictive social media feeds for kids takes shape – Spectrum News
What’s changing:
The rules are subject to a 60-day public comment period before final implementation, with companies needing to verify users’ ages though exact methods are still being finalised. Attorney General Letitia James said “children and teenagers are struggling with high rates of anxiety and depression because of addictive features on social media platforms”. More than 20 states have passed age verification laws, though most face legal challenges, with New York’s implementation being watched as a potential model. Parents can give permission for algorithmic feeds, but it requires active consent rather than being the default.
What parents are saying:
Some welcome any effort to reduce manipulative algorithms targeting their kids, even if implementation details are still unclear. Others worry about privacy implications of age verification, with many feeling uncomfortable about teens needing to upload photo IDs or use facial scanning. Parents are questioning whether driving teen social media use underground with VPNs makes it harder to monitor, not easier.
What to consider:
Your teen’s social media feeds could look completely different if this takes effect and other states follow, with no more highly personalised content, just chronological posts. If you live outside New York, watch how this plays out – with 20+ states passing similar laws, your state may implement something similar. Start conversations now about what non-algorithmic social media might look like for your family.
Related: Instagram parental controls don’t work | Australia social media ban UN support
