# New Jersey online child safety legislation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-online-child-safety-legislation
> Updated: 2026-08-15T01:35:26.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a legislative package in New Jersey designed to protect children from the harmful effects of social media and enhance online safety. The package, which includes the New Jersey Kids Code Act, requires online service providers to implement safety-by-design principles, such as limiting data collection from minors and mandating high privacy settings by default.

The legislation also establishes a Social Media Research Center at a state public college or university to study the relationship between digital technology and youth well-being, specifically focusing on addictive features and emerging risks. Additionally, the governor created the Office of Youth Online Mental Health Safety and Awareness within the New Jersey Department of Health to address concerns regarding adolescent mental health.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: New Jersey Governor signs online safety laws for children

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a package of bills to protect children online, establishing an Age-Appropriate Design Code and a research center to study social media's impact on youth mental health.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-governor-signs-online-safety-laws-for-children

### 2026-08-11: New Jersey Governor signs laws to protect children online

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three bills, including the Kids Code Act, to mandate high privacy settings for minors and establish a research center to study social media's impact on children.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-governor-signs-laws-to-protect-children-online

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Cite as: New Jersey online child safety legislation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-online-child-safety-legislation