Steil Introduces Nonpartisan Bill to Protect Kids’ Mental Health Online

Washington, DC - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Protecting Young Minds Online Act, which requires the Center for Mental Health Services to develop and disseminate a strategy to address the effects of new technologies, like social media, on children's mental health.

"Social media and emerging technologies can have a harmful impact on children, driving depression, anxiety, and in worst cases, self-harm and suicide," said Steil. "The federal government should work alongside families, teachers, and children to provide the tools necessary to promote positive mental health and keep our children safe."

"The loneliness crisis in this country affects us all one way or another. And young Americans are relying on social media and technology to find a sense of connection. But we know social media exposure can also have negative effects on mental health," said Balint. "As a mom of two teens, and a former teacher, I'm deeply concerned about the mental health impact of social media on our youth. It's critical we act to better understand the potential harms. I'm proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to take the important step to promote positive use of social media and protect our youth."

To read the full text of the legislation, click here.