California Unveils Bills to Empower Parents, Protecting Youth from Social Media Addiction

Led by the state's Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Senator Nancy Skinner, and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, these bills present measures to grant parents control over their children's exposure to algorithmic social feeds and to establish safeguards for the privacy of individuals under 18. 

This legislative initiative follows a previous child safety bill in California, which, though scheduled to take effect this year, is currently on hold. If enacted, SB 976 could empower parents of minors to choose between algorithmic and chronological social feeds and allow them to block social media notifications for their children.

Senator Skinner has underscored the impact of social media platforms designed by companies to encourage addiction, especially among the younger demographic. Research indicates a connection between social media addiction in youth and heightened instances of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. 

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