New York Kids Face New Social Media Warning Labels Amid Growing Concerns Over Online Safety
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation requiring social media platforms to implement warning labels for young users on platforms that allow auto-play and infinite scrolling. The move aims to protect the mental health of New York state's youth, who are increasingly vulnerable to online harassment, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of social media.
According to Dr. Shannon Bennett, associate director of the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and psychologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, excessive social media use is linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. "Passive use of social media," she explains, "is more associated with these risks." In contrast, moderate use that promotes connection, community engagement, and mental well-being can have positive effects.
The warning labels will be displayed on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, which are notorious for their addictive features. The labels will warn young users about the potential risks of social media addiction, online bullying, and the impact on mental health. While some may view these measures as overly restrictive or invasive, Dr. Bennett argues that they are necessary to promote responsible social media use.
Research suggests that repeated exposure to warning messages can lead to increased awareness and association between certain behaviors and their negative consequences. In other words, if users see a warning repeatedly, they may begin to associate the behavior with potential harm, making more informed choices about their online activity.
However, not all experts agree that social media is inherently detrimental to young people's mental health. Dr. Bennett acknowledges that social media can have positive effects, such as promoting creativity, learning, and connection with others. For isolated youth or those without a strong support network, social media can serve as a lifeline for building relationships and understanding the world around them.
To promote healthy social media habits, parents are advised to engage in open dialogue with their children about online safety, set boundaries, and monitor their activity. Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and communication, highlighting that simply banning social media altogether is unlikely to be effective.
As lawmakers continue to navigate the complex issue of online safety, it is clear that education, awareness, and responsible policy-making will play a critical role in protecting the mental health and well-being of New York state's youth.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation requiring social media platforms to implement warning labels for young users on platforms that allow auto-play and infinite scrolling. The move aims to protect the mental health of New York state's youth, who are increasingly vulnerable to online harassment, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of social media.
According to Dr. Shannon Bennett, associate director of the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and psychologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, excessive social media use is linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. "Passive use of social media," she explains, "is more associated with these risks." In contrast, moderate use that promotes connection, community engagement, and mental well-being can have positive effects.
The warning labels will be displayed on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, which are notorious for their addictive features. The labels will warn young users about the potential risks of social media addiction, online bullying, and the impact on mental health. While some may view these measures as overly restrictive or invasive, Dr. Bennett argues that they are necessary to promote responsible social media use.
Research suggests that repeated exposure to warning messages can lead to increased awareness and association between certain behaviors and their negative consequences. In other words, if users see a warning repeatedly, they may begin to associate the behavior with potential harm, making more informed choices about their online activity.
However, not all experts agree that social media is inherently detrimental to young people's mental health. Dr. Bennett acknowledges that social media can have positive effects, such as promoting creativity, learning, and connection with others. For isolated youth or those without a strong support network, social media can serve as a lifeline for building relationships and understanding the world around them.
To promote healthy social media habits, parents are advised to engage in open dialogue with their children about online safety, set boundaries, and monitor their activity. Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and communication, highlighting that simply banning social media altogether is unlikely to be effective.
As lawmakers continue to navigate the complex issue of online safety, it is clear that education, awareness, and responsible policy-making will play a critical role in protecting the mental health and well-being of New York state's youth.
, but at the same time, I get why were doing it 
. I mean, social media can be super addictive and all that jazz 
, and if you're not careful, it can mess with your mental health. But on the flip side, for some people, like my friends who are super introverted or isolated, social media is literally their lifeline 
. We need to find this balance, you know? My cousin's 12 and she loves TikTok, but her parents are always on her case about how much time she spends on it 
. It's a tough one, but I think education and awareness are key 
. We gotta teach our kids (and ourselves) how to use social media responsibly, like setting boundaries and being kind online 
.
I think this is a super great move by Governor Hochul! We gotta protect our kids from all the negative stuff they can find online 
. I mean, excessive social media use is real deal linked to anxiety & depression 
. My little sis is always glued to her phone, and it's worrying me 
. It's all about balance, you know? Social media can be fun, but we need to keep it in check 
. Let's hope this new law makes a difference and helps our youth develop healthy online habits 
! 
OMG u no i'm so worried about this!!! 
& it's breaking my heart 
she needs to know about the risks of online harassment & cyberbullying 
& how it can affect her mental health 
but at the same time, social media is also like a lifeline for her 
when she's feeling lonely or isolated 
so what do we do?!?! 
i think the warning labels are a good start 
they should have open conversations with their kids about online safety & boundaries 
& maybe set some limits on screen time 
it's all about finding that balance, you know? 
I remember when we used to have dial-up internet and didn't even think about all these social media warning labels! 
But seriously, mental health is super important, and if these warning labels can help prevent some of the negative effects of social media, then yeah, let's do it! 
.
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. We need to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect our young minds 
. They should have open chats with their kids about online safety, set boundaries, and keep an eye on what they're doing 
. That way, kids would actually want to use social media responsibly instead of just mindlessly scrolling. Oh, and I just remembered I need to water my plants...