California Governor Gavin Newsom Supports Social Media Age Restrictions for Teens
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly endorsed a bipartisan legislative effort to impose age restrictions on social media platforms, citing his personal experiences as a parent and the urgent need for regulatory action. The proposed bill, introduced earlier this month by seven members of the California State Assembly, seeks to establish a minimum age requirement for opening or maintaining social media accounts, targeting users under 16 years old.
Speaking at a press conference focused on public transportation in the Bay Area, Newsom described the social media age debate as “long overdue.” He recounted a recent incident at his daughter’s birthday party where he observed seven teenagers engrossed in their cellphones, with none engaging in conversation. “I literally stopped everybody because there were seven of them together on their cellphone at the birthday party, not one of them talking to each other,” Newsom told reporters, underscoring his concern about the impact of social media on youth socialization and mental health.
The California bill aligns with a growing national conversation about the effects of social media on children and teenagers. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights increasing rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents, trends that some experts link to social media use. Lawmakers in other states have also introduced similar measures, reflecting bipartisan concern about protecting young users.
Newsom’s support adds significant momentum to the legislation, which has drawn attention from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. The bill proposes that social media companies verify the age of users to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts, a move advocates say could reduce exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.
California’s initiative follows international precedents such as France’s recent ban on social media for children under 15, a policy aimed at safeguarding young minds from the potential negative effects of digital platforms. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States has also increased scrutiny of social media companies regarding children’s privacy and safety.
While social media platforms have implemented some age restrictions, critics argue that enforcement is inconsistent and often ineffective. The proposed California legislation would require more stringent verification methods and impose penalties for noncompliance, signaling a shift toward greater accountability.
Governor Newsom emphasized that as a parent, he is seeking broader support to address these challenges. “We need help,” he said, highlighting the difficulty families face in managing children’s digital lives without clear regulatory frameworks.
The bill’s progress will be closely watched by tech companies, educators, and child welfare advocates. As California often leads in technology regulation, this legislation could set a precedent for other states considering similar protections. For more information on youth mental health and social media, resources are available from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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