New Jersey has taken a major step toward protecting children on social media by passing the Kids Code Act, which imposes strict limits on data use, content algorithms, and notifications targeting minors to help safeguard their mental well-being.
- Limits data collection and sharing of minors’ information
- Blocks social media notifications during school hours and late at night
- Creates legal avenues for parents and state to enforce protections
What happened
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill recently signed the Kids Code Act into law, set to take effect in September 2027. This legislation introduces various restrictions on social media platforms when it comes to their interactions with users under 18 years old. These include limitations on how children’s data can be collected and used, mandating privacy settings to default to the highest protection level, and curbing algorithm-driven content recommendations unless actively requested by the minor.
The law also restricts social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night, aiming to reduce distractions and improve sleep quality. Violations of these rules can result in fines starting at $5,000 per offense and allow both parental and governmental legal actions to enforce the policies.
Why it feels good
Parents and lawmakers alike have expressed concern about how social media impacts children’s mental health, with many pointing to addictive design techniques that hijack young users’ attention and disrupt sleep. The law addresses these issues by curbing notification interruptions during critical times and discouraging manipulative algorithmic feeds.
Advocates believe these protections reflect a growing recognition that social media platforms have prioritized engagement over well-being, often at great cost to children’s emotional health. By treating tech like an industry requiring oversight similar to past public health efforts, New Jersey hopes to reset balance and offer peace of mind to families.
What to enjoy or watch next
Beyond the law itself, New Jersey is investing in research to understand social media addiction better. The state will establish a social media research center at a public university with initial funding of $500,000 to study warning labels and other interventions designed to make social media safer for young users.
As this law rolls out, its impact will be closely watched by other states and policymakers considering similar measures. Families, educators, and advocates may find new hope in this approach toward regulating big tech’s role in youth online experiences.