Can social media addiction in children be curbed through legislation? 

Well, New York recently passed a law on "addictive" social media feeds for children, but some researchers are questioning what that actually means and how effectively these laws can be implemented.

The laws come on the back of growing concerns over the effects of social media on the mental health of young people.

From 2025, the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act will require social media platforms and app stores to seek parental consent before children under 18 use apps with "addictive feeds", a groundbreaking attempt to regulate algorithmic recommendations. Meanwhile, the New York Child Data Protection Act will limit the information app providers collect about their users.

On this episode of Morning Shot, Derek Bambauer, Irving Cypen Professor of Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law shares his insights on the challenges behind the execution of the latest social media laws and how effective they will be.

Presented by: Audrey Siek
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Photo credits: Vera – stock.adobe.com