New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AR115

Introduced
2/27/24  

Caption

Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

Impact

The resolution highlights that social media platforms are designed to promote addictive behaviors, which has led to a dramatic increase in usage among children and teenagers in recent years. It outlines that while the engagement in social media has risen, so has the mental illness among these demographics, making legislative action increasingly urgent. The 'Kids Online Safety Act' aims to ensure that platforms mitigate these negative impacts by promoting data safety and expanding parental controls over minors' online activities.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 115 urges Congress and the President of the United States to enact the 'Kids Online Safety Act'. This act aims to address the growing mental health crisis associated with social media usage among minors, particularly in relation to poor mental health outcomes and increasing prevalence of mental health issues among children and adolescents. The resolution cites alarming statistics, including that 36.7% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with significant portions considering suicide and developing plans.

Contention

Notably, the resolution raises concerns over inaction from social media companies in addressing the mental health impacts of their platforms. Despite substantial evidence linking social media usage to increased mental health problems, there has been little meaningful response from the tech industry. The upcoming legislative action proposed in the 'Kids Online Safety Act' seeks to enforce changes that require social media companies to take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of younger users.

Companion Bills

NJ SR75

Same As Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

NJ AR191

Carry Over Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

Previously Filed As

NJ SR75

Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

NJ AR191

Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

NJ AR167

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation that requires parental consent for children under 13 years of age to use social media and other websites.

NJ SR20

Urges President and Congress to enact "CARE for Kids Act of 2019."

NJ AR137

Urges Congress and President of United States to enact "Laken Riley Act."

NJ ACR144

Urges Congress to enact "Find It Early Act."

NJ SR120

Urges President and Congress to enact certain legislation regarding drones.

NJ ACR153

Urges President and Congress to enact "Lead-Free Future Act of 2019."

NJ AR155

Urges President and Congress to suspend federal gas tax.

NJ AR199

Urges Congress and President to enact "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023."

Similar Bills

NJ AR167

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation that requires parental consent for children under 13 years of age to use social media and other websites.

CA SJR15

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

NJ AR93

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation permanently reinstating federal child tax credit as provided for in tax year 2021.

NJ AR202

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation permanently reinstating federal child tax credit as provided for in tax year 2021.

NJ SR20

Urges President and Congress to enact "CARE for Kids Act of 2019."

CA SJR19

Special education funding.

CA SJR8

Special education funding.

NJ SCR89

Urges United States Congress to pass "Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021."