BOISE, Idaho — A new Idaho law aimed at protecting children from the effects of social media is now in effect, though many families may not notice changes immediately.
The Stop Harms from Addictive Social Media Act is one of many new laws that went into effect July 1. House Bill 542 placed new requirements on the largest social media companies, restricting certain features for users identified as children and requiring greater parental involvement.
Rather than banning children from using social media altogether, the law focuses on limiting what lawmakers call “addictive interface features,” including infinite scrolling, auto play videos, push notifications and algorithm-driven feeds that keep users engaged.
State Rep. Jaron Crane, who sponsored the legislation, said the bill grew out of conversations with community leaders who were concerned about youth mental health.
“In the off-season last year, a constituent of mine came and said, ‘Hey, I’ve been meeting with faith leaders, superintendents, law enforcement. We have a real problem with suicide.’ … And I said, ‘Okay, well, do you guys know why?’ And they said social media,” said Crane.
The law comes as governments around the world continue exploring ways to reduce children’s exposure to social media. Countries such as Australia and Greece outright banned social media for certain age ranges earlier this year.
Under the new law, restrictions do not begin the moment someone creates an account. Instead, once a user spends 25 cumulative hours on certain social media platforms within a six-month period. After the 25 hours, the company has 14 days to estimate the person’s age using information it already collects.
If the platform determines with at least 80% confidence that the user is older than 16, the account is treated as an adult account. If the account is not up to those standards, it is considered a children’s account.
If the account is determined to be held by someone under 16, the platform requires parental permission to proceed and will check in after another 50 built up hours.
The law does not apply to all internet companies. Private messaging platforms and internet companies do not meet the threshold. However social media companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, all which generate over $1 billion in annual revenue, will be subject to the restrictions.
“My hope is that you see the 1990s America come back, where kids are kids with their parents, and they’re enjoying life and all that it has to go and explore. Life is short. Why look at a seven-inch screen when you can go out there and experience it in real time?” Crane said.
