NYMHCA Commends Governor Hochul and NY Legislators for Passing the (SAFE) for Kids Act

Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act that aims to protect children and adolescents from social media harms, making New York the latest state to take action against intrusive and dangerous practices of social media companies.

The New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) fully supports the SAFE for Kids Act as a vital initiative to address the escalating mental health crisis among our youth. This legislation takes a critical stance against the manipulative practices of social media platforms that employ addictive algorithms, which are specifically designed to maximize user engagement at the expense of mental well-being.

As mental health professionals, we witness firsthand the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on young people's mental health. The sustained barrage of idealized images and the incessant need for social validation foster environments where anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem thrive. Adolescents, with their still-developing brains, are particularly susceptible to these influences, leading to a troubling rise in mental health disorders directly linked to social media use.

The Act's intervention is essential in mitigating these harmful impacts. By regulating the deployment of addictive algorithms, the legislation aims to create a safer digital space where young users are not subjected to the relentless pull of exploitative content feeds. This is not an attempt to demonize technology but to ensure it is used in a manner that supports healthy psychological development.

In our practice, we see numerous cases where social media has exacerbated feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and distress among young people. The constant comparison with curated and often unattainable lifestyles leads to unrealistic self-expectations and a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. By curbing the addictive nature of these platforms, the SAFE for Kids Act helps to reduce these harmful comparisons and the associated mental health consequences.

Furthermore, this legislation represents a proactive approach to mental health care. It acknowledges the significant role that environmental factors, such as social media, play in shaping mental health outcomes. By addressing these factors head-on, the SAFE for Kids Act contributes to a holistic strategy for improving the mental well-being of our youth.

NYMHCA commends Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in signing this critical bill into law. Her commitment to the mental health of New York’s youth is estimable. NYMHCA also extends our deepest gratitude to Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Nily Rozic for their tireless efforts in sponsoring and advocating for this legislation. Their dedication to protecting our children from the harmful effects of addictive social media practices is a testament to their unwavering support for the mental health community.

NYMHCA views the SAFE for Kids Act as a necessary step towards protecting our children from the insidious effects of social media addiction. It is a bold move that prioritizes the mental health of our youth, setting a standard for ethical technology use and regulatory practices. We believe that the SAFE for Kids Act will pave the way for healthier digital interactions and, ultimately, a more mentally resilient generation.

For questions or comments, contact Steven DiMarzo, NYMHCA president, at sdimarzo@nymhca.org.