Advocates came out in force in Trenton today, testifying on a package of bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz that would strengthen protections for children online and increase accountability for social media platforms. Together, the bills would strengthen default privacy protections for minors, require clear warnings about potential mental health risks associated with prolonged social media use, and support research to guide future policy decisions.

Following the testimony, the Assembly Science, Technology and Innovation Committee advanced the New Jersey Kids Code Act (A4015), which would require online service providers to implement measures to protect minors’ online privacy. The committee also advanced legislation that would require mental health warning labels on certain social media platforms (A4013), and a measure that would establish a Social Media Research Center (A4014).

Prior to the committee hearing, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin joined Assemblywoman Katz and other lawmakers at a press conference to explain the need to take proactive steps to ensure that as technology continues to evolve, the safety and well-being of children remain a top priority.

“While these social media apps can offer meaningful opportunities to connect and learn, we know they can expose young people to the kinds of pressures that affect their well-being,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “New Jersey has always stepped forward when new challenges demand thoughtful leadership, and our being here today reflects a commitment to creating a healthier and safer environment for the next generation.”

“Social media can be a powerful way for young people to connect, but we cannot ignore the growing evidence that it can also expose children to serious risks,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “As a mom, I believe we have a responsibility to put commonsense safeguards in place that protect kids’ mental health, give families better information, and ensure platforms are doing their part to create safer online spaces.”

“Technology is evolving quickly, and our policies need to keep pace to ensure innovation happens responsibly,” said Assemblyman Chris Tully, Chair of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (D-Bergen). “This legislation takes thoughtful steps to protect young people online while promoting transparency and accountability from the platforms they use every day.”

Advocates applauded the legislation during the press conference.

“By passing critical social media protections including the New Jersey Kids Code, New Jersey has the opportunity to lead the way, hold Big Tech companies accountable, and stand up for our kids,” said parent advocate Erin Popolo, whose daughter Emily died by suicide in 2021 after intense cyberbullying on Snapchat and Instagram.

“Parents across New Jersey are fed up with social media companies knowingly exploiting our children’s attention and mental health for profit and are demanding that state lawmakers take action,” said Julie Scelfo, Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA). “This package of legislation would take critical steps to shield minors from addictive design features, protect our children’s privacy and safety, warn families about social media’s mental health risks, and force Big Tech to make their products safe by design. MAMA is grateful to Assemblywoman Katz, her fellow lawmakers, and our partners across the state for championing these essential policies to keep our kids safe online, and we urge the Legislature to quickly pass them into law.”

“The landmark federal social media trial is making it crystal clear: Big Tech companies have known for years about the harms their platforms inflict on our kids but have chosen profit over safety at every turn. Today, New Jersey has the opportunity to act on that evidence. Governor Sherrill has shown real leadership by making kids’ online safety a priority from day one, and this legislative package delivers on that commitment with exactly the kind of bold, design-centered approach that holds companies accountable and puts kids’ safety first. We applaud Assemblywoman Katz and Governor Sherrill for championing these bills, and we urge the Legislature to move swiftly to pass them,” said Sacha Haworth, Executive Director, The Tech Oversight Project.

“I have seen classmates develop eating disorders due to the content they’ve seen on social media, and I’ve seen friends become obsessed with their follower counts and how they look on their profiles to the point where they were missing out on schoolwork and events,” said Hanzla Ahmad, 18, from West Windsor with Design It For Us. “New Jersey has stayed at the forefront of innovation and progress. I ask you today to continue this legacy and pass the New Jersey Kids Code.”

“I have an immense sense of pride being from New Jersey. The state embodies being at the forefront of responsible technology policy, as we’ve seen with the strong package of bills the Committee is considering here, and now New Jersey has the opportunity to continue this legacy as it assists in leading the country into a future where kids and teens are receiving much-needed protection by immediately enacting the New Jersey Kids Code Act,” said Saahir Vazirani, 17, from South Amboy with Design It For Us.

“We are thrilled to see lawmakers stepping up again in New Jersey and around the country to introduce and push age-appropriate design legislation that holds Big Tech accountable for its design features and business model. We’ve backed this approach in states like California, Maryland, and Vermont, and are proud to do so here in New Jersey as well,” said Sebastian Mahal, Co-Chair of Design It For Us.