California bill would change the way minors consume social media

A new California bill would prohibit social media websites from sending users under 18 “addictive” material without the consent of a parent or guardian.

One of the bill’s key provisions would require social media companies to make a chronological feed the default setting on platforms, which would show users posts from people they follow in the order they are uploaded as opposed to arranging content in ways to maximize engagement.

Social media platforms would also be barred from sending minors notifications from midnight to 6 a.m. or 8 am. to 3 p.m. on school days without an adult’s consent.

The bill would also mandate that social media companies set a default one-hour time limit daily that the child’s parents or guardians could adjust, ensure the minor’s account is private and give the state attorney general “authority to set regulations to ensure compliance with all aspects of the bill,” according to a news release.

State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) introduced SB 976 on Monday during a press conference.

“Social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially our kids. Countless studies show that once a young person has a social media addiction, they experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem,” Sen. Skinner said in a statement.

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