Rep. Steil introduces Protecting Young Minds Online Act
Rep. Steil introduces Protecting Young Minds Online Act
WASHINGTON - Amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., has partnered with Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vermont, to propose legislation aimed at creating a unified national strategy to address the issue.
The proposed "Protecting Young Minds Online Act" tasks the federal Center for Mental Health Services with developing and distributing a comprehensive plan to tackle the mental health challenges tied to children’s social media use.
"The United States doesn't have a comprehensive government approach to address children's mental health as it relates to social media, and so what my legislation does is pulls us together nationally - have one comprehensive approach to this, rather than a piecemeal approach", Steil said. "There is a major mental health crisis playing out in this country that I believe is directly tied to children's exposure to social media."
Growing Concerns Over Social Media’s Impact
The legislation comes as studies continue to highlight the potential risks social media poses to young users. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 75% of students report frequent social media use, which they associate with issues such as bullying, sadness, and an elevated suicide risk.
Ronan Rataj, a 20-year-old student and intern in Washington, D.C., reflected on the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective when using social media. "I think just having the perspective of being secure in yourself and understanding that social media is people posting their highlights - it’s not actually what people's lives are like - is important", he said. However, he emphasized the value of face-to-face interactions, adding, "I do think there's no supplement for talking to people, though."
Steil had introduced a similar bill in 2023, though it failed to garner sufficient support to become law. This renewed effort aims to build momentum around the issue, which experts say demands urgent attention.
Expert Support for Federal Action
Carol Vidal, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, expressed support for the legislation, suggesting that it could have a significant impact. "I welcome the bill to look into more research, for sure, and I also hope that there’s more actual regulation on the platforms", Vidal said. "But just talking about it, I think it’s a positive... Politicians are hearing from their constituents who are concerned from both sides of the aisle."
Vidal also pointed out several potential regulatory measures to help safeguard children online, including imposing minimum age requirements for social media use, modifying algorithms to reduce harmful content exposure, and limiting features like the ability for minors to "like" posts. "The social media companies are not doing a good job of self-regulating, and their goal is to have as many people and as much time as possible engage with the platforms, because that’s how they make profit, right?" she said.
Partisan Divides on Broader Health Policy
While the bipartisan bill focuses on children’s mental health online, it has not escaped criticism from some Democrats. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., critiqued Steil’s broader voting record, emphasizing cuts to programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under former President Donald Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
"I think what would be helpful, if Congressman Steil would quit voting against his constituents and cutting things like Medicaid and the tax credits for people in the Affordable Care Act and other things that take away health care, and then also taking away food from hungry kids, are all far more significant than I think whatever proposal he may have", Pocan said.
Looking Ahead
As concerns over a potential mental health crisis continue to grow, Steil emphasized that his legislation is a step toward addressing the challenges associated with youth social media use. "We’re working thoughtfully and productively to address the challenge that we all know exists", he said.
The bill’s progress will likely be closely watched as policymakers on both sides of the aisle grapple with balancing regulation, mental health resources, and broader health care priorities.