Page 19 - Dylan Hoffman News Today

Some California lawmakers want to help parents protect their children’s mental health by targeting website elements they say were designed to hook kids.

Legislators are considering two bills that address online addiction among children by taking aim at website features such as push notifications and targeted posts. But Big Tech is fighting the effort, saying companies are already taking steps to protect children.

Discussion sparked over social media addiction and if tech companies should be penalised for its affects on minors.

Karla Garcia said her son's social media addiction started in fourth grade, when he got his own computer for virtual learning and logged on to YouTube. Now, two years later, the video-sharing site has replaced both schoolwork and the activities he used to love — like composing music or serenading his friends on the piano, she said.

Legislators are considering two bills that address online addiction among children by taking aim at website features such as push notifications and targeted posts. But Big Tech is fighting the effort, saying companies are already taking steps to protect children.

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and other sites are designed to hook kids, say lawmakers who are taking aim at the addictive sites to better protect youth.

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and other sites are designed to hook kids, say lawmakers who are taking aim at the addictive sites to better protect youth.

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and other sites are designed to hook kids, say lawmakers who are taking aim at the addictive sites to better protect youth.

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and other sites are designed to hook kids, say lawmakers who are taking aim at the addictive sites to better protect youth.

YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and other sites are designed to hook kids, say lawmakers who are taking aim at the addictive sites to better protect youth.