New York declares social media a public health hazard, but also an environmental toxin. The statement was made by the mayor Eric Adams himself, who underlined that young generations should be protected from the dangers that social networks expose.
Thus, New York is the first city in the USA, perhaps even in the world, to take this kind of initiative, where social networks will be treated and labeled as all public health risks, such as smoking or weapons. According to the city hall, children’s mental health can no longer be put into question, allowing big tech companies to make money and monopolize the privacy of children and teenagers.
The goal is to preserve the health of the citizens and above all for the large social network companies to correct themselves and cooperate in the public good.
In a second moment, the rules that will have to be applied will be published. Such initiatives are not new in New York, where former mayor Bloomberg previously ordered the banning of cell phones in all public schools.