The New York City Council is debating legislation that would set time limits on young people’s social media use as concerns grow over its effects on mental health.
Councilwoman Althea Stevens (D-Bronx), chairperson of the Committee on Children and Youth, is pressing the measure, which would prohibit social media companies from allowing young people on their platforms for more than one hour per day, unless waived by a parent or guardian. A hearing was held Tuesday afternoon.
The bill, which has seven co-sponsors, would also ban the companies from promoting targeted advertisements or content to minors.
“This legislation here today is not the final answer,” Stevens said during a news conference on the City Hall steps. “It is a starting point. It is about bringing real, honest conversations about how we create a balance, accountability and protection for our youth in this digital age.”
“We are exploring steps like limiting daily [social] media use, restricting targeted ads to minors, and requiring deeper reporting on mental health impacts from these platforms,” she added.
A 2024 report from the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that teens who use social media self-report higher rates of anxiety and depression, as well as other adverse experiences online, such as cyberbullying or social pressure.
The city has tried to reverse those trends by launching free online therapy for teens and offering school-based mental health services. A media advisory for the hearing said Council members would “examine the effectiveness” of those programs and others.
“The impacts of social media on our youth have gotten completely out of hand,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said at the news conference. “It’s absolutely not regulated, and it’s already demonstrated to have a detrimental impact on both the physical and the mental health of young people.”
“We’re not asking for a major change. We’re literally asking for common-sense policies that will protect our youth from this mental health crisis.”
Menin, who is not a co-sponsor of Stevens’s bill, said Tuesday’s hearing was part of an “iterative process,” which will include feedback from young people, parents and tech companies on the legislation.
“This is a beginning of a conversation,” Menin said.