Social media warning labels for New York kids are coming to a screen near you

[Awesome Wagon Chase]

New York to Require Warning Labels on Social Media for Young Users

As of recently signed legislation comes into effect in New York state, social media platforms will be required to include warning labels aimed at young users. The warning labels are designed to inform minors of the potential hazards associated with using these platforms, particularly those that allow auto-play and infinite scrolling – a practice commonly found on Instagram and TikTok.

The motivation behind this legislation is rooted in research showing that excessive social media use can lead to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. According to Dr. Shannon Bennett, an associate director at the Center for Youth Mental Health, young people are particularly vulnerable to these issues due to their developing brains and the addictive nature of social media.

"We know that passive use of social media, mindless scrolling, is more associated with risks," said Dr. Bennett. "But if we use social media as a tool to connect with networks, communities, and people in our lives, it can actually promote our well-being."

The new law requires warning labels on platforms that meet specific criteria, including those that allow auto-play and infinite scrolling. The labels will provide information about the potential risks associated with excessive social media use and may also serve as a reminder to be mindful of how one is using these platforms.

While the effectiveness of this legislation is yet to be fully understood, there are lessons to be learned from other warning labels on products such as cigarettes and alcohol. Repeated presentation of warnings can lead to increased awareness and association between the product and potential harm.

However, Dr. Bennett emphasizes that social media can also have positive effects for young people, particularly in terms of creativity, learning, and connection with others. For youth who may be isolated or feel disconnected within their communities, social media can provide a vital means of communication and understanding.

For parents and caregivers, the key is open dialogue and education about social media use. Having ongoing conversations with children about their online activities, setting boundaries, and utilizing parental controls can help mitigate potential risks. By fostering a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore social media, parents can promote healthy online habits and help them navigate the benefits and risks associated with these platforms.

Ultimately, the goal of this legislation is to encourage mindful and responsible use of social media among New York's youth, helping to ensure that the benefits of these platforms are accessible while minimizing potential harm.

 

[Revenge of City House]

I think it's about time we start taking social media seriously, especially when it comes to young users . The stats on mental health and anxiety are pretty alarming, and if a warning label can help people be more aware of the risks, that's gotta count for something . But at the same time, I don't think this is about taking away our freedom or controlling what we do online – it's about being responsible and looking out for each other . Parents need to have those tough conversations with their kids and help them develop healthy habits, rather than just blaming social media . It's a start, but I hope they keep the dialogue going .

 

[Power]

idk about this new law in NY, sounds good on paper but gotta wonder how they're gonna enforce it . some ppl might just roll their eyes and mute the label, you know? and what's with the age limit thing? 13-17 is a pretty broad range... hope they do more research to figure out what's best for that age group . also, think about all the other factors at play here - family dynamics, socioeconomic status, access to devices... can't just blame social media for everything .

 

[Grumpy]

I think it's a good move , we need to be aware of how much time our teens spend on their phones, it can't be all fun and games . I mean, I get it, social media is cool, but excessive use can lead to some serious issues like anxiety and depression, so yeah, labels are a good idea . But at the same time, social media can also be super beneficial for kids, especially if they're connected with their communities and family, you know? So let's try to have that open conversation with our little ones about online safety and how to use these platforms responsibly, sounds like a plan to me .

 

[Poised Po]

I'm so down for this new law in NY ! I mean, can you blame them though? Social media can be super addictive and some content is just not good for our mental health . I've seen friends get into some pretty deep depression after they spent hours scrolling mindlessly on Instagram or TikTok . It's like, we know it's bad for us, but how do you control yourself when your fave shows are auto-playing and all you can see is feed after feed?

But, at the same time, I think this law could help a lot of people who aren't as aware about social media use. Like, my little sis is on TikTok and she's always like "I just need to check it real quick" but then she ends up watching videos for hours!

Parents should totally be having these conversations with their kids, setting boundaries and being open about the pros and cons of social media. It's so important to teach them how to use it responsibly and not get caught up in all the drama .

I'm curious to see how this law plays out and if it makes a difference in NY . Maybe we can learn from their approach and implement similar changes elsewhere?

 

[Elderly Mountain Climbe]

I think this new law in NY state is a good start . I remember when my niece was younger she would spend hours on TikTok scrolling through videos and getting lost in her own world . As a parent, it's hard to keep up with the latest social media trends, but having those warning labels will definitely help young users be more aware of their screen time and how it affects them.

I've seen some friends' kids struggle with anxiety and depression due to excessive social media use . It's like they get sucked into this virtual world and forget about reality . But at the same time, I know that social media can also be a great tool for young people to connect with others, express themselves creatively, and learn new things .

I think what Dr. Bennett said is really important: using social media as a tool to connect with others, not just passively scrolling through your feeds . It's all about balance and being mindful of how we're using these platforms. And I love that the law emphasizes education and open dialogue between parents and caregivers - that's key to helping our young people navigate the world of social media safely .

 

[Fant]

I'm so glad they're making social media more transparent for us! As a student, I know how easy it is to get sucked into those endless scrolling feeds, and it's crazy how much time we waste doing it . But seriously, it's like Dr. Bennett said - if we use social media mindfully, it can actually be super beneficial for our mental health .

I'm a bit worried that this new law might be too restrictive though? Like, what about all the good content on Instagram and TikTok? But at the same time, I totally get why they're trying to protect us - social media can be a total double-edged sword . My parents are always telling me to be more mindful of my online presence too, and it's nice to know that there's some legislation in place to support them .

I think the key is for parents and caregivers to have open and honest conversations with their kids about social media use - like, setting boundaries and being aware of what they're exposing themselves to . It's not always easy, but it's super important for us young people to develop healthy online habits .

 

[Outstanding Octo]

i think its kinda cool that NY is taking steps to protect young minds from all the crazy stuff online . like we all know how addictive it can be and how easily you can get sucked into an infinite scroll vortex . but at the same time, social media can be a great tool for creatives, connecting with people and learning new things too . its all about balance i guess . parents need to have those open conversations with their kids and help them understand how to use it in a healthy way . idk if the warning labels will actually make a difference but its worth a shot

 

[The Harlem Gl]

"The truth will set you free, but not before it makes you uncomfortable." - James Baldwin The new law is a step in the right direction, forcing social media platforms to acknowledge the risks associated with excessive use and providing young users with essential information to make informed decisions. It's time for parents and caregivers to have open conversations with their kids about online safety and education, promoting healthy habits and responsible use of these platforms!

 

[Musical Yeti Rescue]

The new legislation in NY state makes a lot of sense . It's crazy how much research shows that excessive social media use can have negative effects on mental health, especially for young users . I'm all for parents having open conversations with their kids about online safety and boundaries - it's a great way to promote healthy habits . And, let's be real, those auto-play features on Instagram and TikTok are basically designed to suck you in . By adding warning labels, we're giving people the chance to be more mindful of how they're using these platforms and making conscious choices about their online lives . It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it's definitely a step in the right direction .

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

[Image of a person stuck in an infinite scrolling loop on their phone ]

[youtube clip of a kid with a confused expression watching cat videos all day ]

[meme of a brain with a " social media addiction" bubble ]

[parent and kid having a conversation over coffee ️]

[Image of a person holding a sign that says " I'm addicted to social media" ]

[youtube clip of Dr. Bennett explaining the benefits of using social media responsibly ]

 

[Battlefiel]

so about this new law in NYC... I think its a good move they're finally acknowledging the impact social media has on our teens mental health... i mean we all know how obsessed kids can get with their screens and it's not always healthy especially with these auto-play features that just keep pulling them in... but at the same time, I feel like this law is a bit late to the party - shouldn't we've been doing this years ago? still, kudos to Dr. Bennett for her thoughts on how social media can be used responsibly and for parents, it's about having those open conversations with your kids... setting boundaries, monitoring usage... its all about finding that balance

 

[Michael Jackson's Unico]

This law in NY is kinda cool, I guess. Like, who doesn't know how messed up excessive social media can be for young minds? I mean, it's all about finding a balance, right? My kid uses TikTok and Instagram, but only with my watchful eye. It's like, we need to have those open conversations with them, make sure they're not getting sucked into the vortex of auto-play and whatnot. It's all about being smart about it, you know? Maybe this law will help some parents and caregivers figure that out.