In New Jersey: Sherrill Signs New Law Protecting Minors on Social Media

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has enacted a significant legislative package aimed at shielding minors from the potential harms of the digital world. The governor signed three new laws designed to bolster online safety for children and adolescents, increase the accountability of major technology firms, and curb the detrimental and addictive aspects associated with certain online platform usage.

These measures are part of the governor's broader "online child safety agenda." Key components include the integration of the New Jersey Age-Appropriate Design Code into state legislation and the creation of a dedicated Social Media Research Center. This center will independently investigate the impact of social media platforms, their potentially addictive features, and emerging risks faced by young users.

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As a mom of four, I've seen firsthand how social media platforms can affect our children and how often parents are left alone to fight this battle.

The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education announced that funding is available to establish the research center at one of the state's public four-year higher education institutions. The center is expected to commence its operations this autumn. Governor Sherrill, drawing from her experience as a mother of four, emphasized that technology companies must accept greater responsibility for the design of their products.

Sherrill specifically questioned platform features engineered to capture and retain the attention of young users. She asserted that protecting children should take precedence over the financial incentives driving these tech companies. The legislative package, including the "New Jersey Kids Code Act" (A4015/S3413), aims to ensure that online services are designed with the best interests of young users in mind, prioritizing their safety and well-being over engagement metrics.

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The protection of children must come before the economic incentives of technology companies.