California lawmakers are pushing for legislation to protect children from social media dangers, joining a national effort to address youth mental health concerns identified by officials like U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. However, past regulatory attempts have been thwarted by legal challenges from the tech industry, which argues that such regulations infringe on free speech rights. California’s current bills aim to limit social media interaction for users under 18, including restrictions on push notifications and data collection without parental consent. State Attorney General Rob Bonta supports these measures, emphasizing the need to safeguard children from harmful online influences. Governor Gavin Newsom has backed proposals to ban cellphones in schools and is expected to consider these social media regulations. The state’s influential role may set a precedent for other states, as major tech companies like Meta, Apple, Snap, and Google’s Alphabet are based in California. Although NetChoice has successfully challenged similar laws in other states, lawmakers are hopeful that this legislation will keep children safe online. Despite concerns about potential First Amendment violations, advocates argue that protecting minors from social media harms is paramount. Further efforts are underway at the federal level, with proposed legislation focusing on algorithm-derived feeds and age restrictions for social media use. As the debate continues, California remains at the forefront of addressing these pressing issues impacting youth mental health in the digital age.
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