Canada and the U.S. propose new guidelines that would bar TikTok and Instagram from recommending content to kids

Combating social media’s harmful effects on young minds ?‍♀️<br><br>Canada and the U.S. propose stricter guidelines on social media platforms, aiming to restrict content recommendations for kids and teens. This rule would specifically focus on any content that promotes suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, or hateful ideologies.<br><br>**Recommendations for a safer online experience**<br><br>To create a safer environment, the guidelines propose the following:<br><br>* "Limit or eliminate the use of personalized recommendation algorithms for minors"<br>* "Minimize minors' screen time, including by implementing screen time controls"<br>* "Provide features that allow parents or guardians to monitor and control their minors' use and online interactions"<br><br>These suggestions are part of a broader effort to reduce social media's impact on children's mental health, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram have faced criticism for their role in spreading harmful content.<br><br>**Potential consequences**<br><br>Implementing these guidelines could lead to significant changes in how social media platforms operate. For instance:<br><br>* TikTok and Instagram might need to modify their algorithms to avoid recommending harmful content to minors.<br>* Parents could be given more control over their children's online activities through monitoring features.<br><br>**Challenges ahead**<br><br>Enforcing these guidelines will likely be a complex task, as social media platforms may resist changes that could impact their business models. Ultimately, the success of these guidelines depends on the cooperation between governments, tech companies, and parents to prioritize children's online safety.