New York City Council held a press conference in front of City Hall on the 21st, heating up for the upcoming hearing on “Teen Social Media Use”. Council Speaker Manning, together with several council members, pointed out that the influence of social media on the mental health of teenagers has reached a “out of control” level. They urged for faster legislation and regulation, demanding technology companies to take responsibility while also strengthening institutional protection for all teenagers.
Manning stated that the current impact of social media on teenagers has “completely gotten out of control”, highlighting the severity of the teenage mental health crisis with the recent unfortunate death of a 15-year-old. She pointed out that over the past year and a half, issues of anxiety and depression among teenagers have significantly increased, making social media a national public health issue. “We need basic and effective policies, prioritizing the safety of children.”
Councilman Krishnan pointed out that social media platforms prolong usage time through algorithms and push violent and extreme content, causing pressure on teenagers. New York City has taken legal action against TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, holding them accountable for their impact on minors.
Councilwoman Stevens stated that policy-making should include the voices of teenagers and avoid solely relying on parental supervision, which could lead to marginalized groups being excluded. She noted that while social media helps in building connections, it also brings cyberbullying and sleep issues, affecting mental health.
Councilwoman Cabán called on the government to invest resources in mental health services and community support systems, rather than solely depending on monitoring or enforcement measures. “Young people have clearly expressed that they need support, not more surveillance.”
Representatives of the community organization KFSE also pointed out that the organization has long served victims, observing that many female students suffer harassment and harm online. Data shows that the proportion of anxiety among teenagers using social media is nearly three times that of non-users, with 78% of parents supporting stronger protective measures.
In the afternoon, the City Council held a hearing on related bills. The hearing will serve as a policy starting point, driving restrictions on usage time, increasing platform accountability, and establishing a more comprehensive protection mechanism to address the challenges teenagers face in the digital age.