Rutgers to receive $500K state grant to lead research on social media’s effects on children

Rutgers will receive a $500,000 state grant to lead research on social media’s effects on children, according to Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Rutgers will assess the impact of social media on children’s mental and physical health, identify strategies for reducing harmful and addictive use, and ways to promote healthy and responsible online habits. Findings will be shared to the public on a rolling basis with recommendations to follow within a year. In August, Sherrill signed the New Jersey Kids Code Act, which limits social media platforms from collecting data from N.J. minors for algorithm and content recommendations; limits the discoverability of children’s accounts, including through search engines; and directs a four-year state university to establish a research center to study social media addiction.

From New Jersey Monitor.