In this week's The Filter by Wired Parents, governments are moving from warnings to action on children's social media use. New York has released the first detailed rules for banning algorithmic feeds for under-18s, though parents face a three-year wait until mid-2027 for implementation. Australia is taking a more immediate approach, requiring platforms to verify ages starting December rather than trusting self-reported birthdates.

Meanwhile, France has escalated rhetoric significantly, with lawmakers calling social media a "slow poison" and recommending criminal investigations into TikTok executives. The European Commission is now watching Australia's experiment closely, with President von der Leyen announcing plans for an expert panel to advise on EU-wide age restrictions by year-end.

Unlike previous voluntary initiatives, these measures carry legal weight and penalties for non-compliance. The question for parents worldwide is whether regulatory intervention will succeed where platform self-regulation has struggled.

TL;DR: Algorithms out, age checks in & executives panicking

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New York moved closer to implementing the nation's first restrictions on algorithmic social media feeds for children this week, with Attorney General Letitia James releasing draft regulations for the SAFE for Kids Act.

The rules require social media companies to obtain parental consent before showing algorithmic feeds to users under 18. Without consent, platforms must limit young users to chronological feeds showing only content from accounts they follow. Companies are also prohibited from sending notifications to minors between midnight and 6 AM unless parents approve.

The regulations apply to platforms where users spend at least 20% of their time consuming feeds, a definition that covers TikTok and Instagram while excluding sites like Goodreads. Companies have flexibility in age verification methods, though they must offer alternatives to government ID verification and delete verification data immediately after use.

Parents hoping for immediate change face a lengthy timeline. Public comments remain open until December 1, followed by another year for finalising rules, then 180 days for implementation. The law may not take effect until mid-2027.

This approach will serve as a crucial test case for whether states can successfully regulate algorithmic content delivery to children, with implications extending far beyond New York's borders.

Sources: CNN | NY Attorney General

Australia is preparing to implement one of the world's strictest social media age verification systems. Starting December 10, platforms will be required to verify users' ages rather than relying on self-reported birthdates.

The new system aims to eliminate the current honour system where children can easily circumvent age restrictions. Platforms must implement more robust verification methods, such as ID scans, payment verification, or third-party systems, and publish compliance data openly.

Supporters argue the policy could significantly improve online safety by preventing younger children from accessing algorithmic feeds altogether. Critics raise privacy concerns about storing sensitive verification data and question the effectiveness of such measures.

The Australian approach is being closely watched internationally. If successful, it could serve as a template for similar regulations in the United States and United Kingdom, where policymakers are considering comparable measures.

Source: news.com.au

French lawmakers have issued a scathing assessment of social media platforms, accusing them of harming children's mental health and calling for criminal investigations into TikTok executives.

The parliamentary report recommends sweeping changes, including a ban on social media for children under 15, digital curfews preventing late-night access for 15-18 year olds, and stricter penalties for companies failing to protect child users.

The report follows rising international scrutiny of social platforms, with claims that addictive design features, constant notifications, and harmful content exposure contribute to anxiety, sleep disruption, and depression among young people.

France's recommendations go beyond current European policies and signal a more aggressive regulatory approach. If enacted, these measures could influence how other EU countries approach online safety legislation.

Source: The Guardian

For more articles from the week, head over to Wired-Parents.com

Google's DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis recently identified "learning how to learn" as the most critical skill for the next generation, as artificial intelligence developments may reshape traditional education within a decade.

The concept refers to metacognition; developing awareness of one's own learning processes and the ability to adapt strategies based on what works. Research spanning several decades shows children taught these skills early demonstrate greater resilience and academic success.

What this actually means:

For parents today:

Rather than focusing solely on subject knowledge, this approach emphasises adaptability and learning skills that may prove more valuable than specific knowledge that could become obsolete.

Read the complete guide with practical strategies on www.wired-parents.com →

✅ Word Your Kid Probably Knows: “Ratioed”
When a post gets more replies than likes, usually meaning it wasn't well received.

🔧 Tech Tip for Tired Parents: Turn Off Notifications
Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce constant phone checking.

📴 Offline Challenge of the Week: Tech Free Car Ride
Try a screen-free car journey this week.

🧹 Fewer than half of UK children do household chores

🛜 ​​Most adults across 24 countries are online at least several times a day

🥜 M&M just dropped a new flavour

🤎 …and Pantone’s new colour of the year answers our desire for comfort

In 1990, a person was 15 years old. In 1995, that same person was 10 years old. How can this be?

The person was born in 2005 B.C.

Congrats to Holly, Hong Kong for the correct answers!

What does this mean? I RIGHT I

Answers next week!

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