Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1986

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Resolve relative to children’s mental health in social media

Impact

The commission will be responsible for recommending a legal framework that promotes safe social media use and identifies best practices for social media platforms to ensure the safeguarding of children's mental health. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the impact of social media on children's mental health, highlighting issues such as online bullying, self-harm, and exposure to harmful content. The findings and recommendations from the commission are expected to inform future regulations to protect minors in the digital space.

Summary

House Bill H1986, presented by Representative Denise C. Garlick, aims to address children's mental health in relation to social media usage. The bill proposes the establishment of a special commission tasked with investigating the risks children face on social media platforms. This commission would consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from state agencies, educational institutions, and advocacy groups, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the issue. The primary goal is to promote safe social media practices that protect children's mental health and well-being.

Contention

Discussions around H1986 may include points of contention regarding the balance between safeguarding children's mental health and the freedom of speech and expression on social media platforms. Additionally, there may be debates on the extent of regulation that should be imposed on these platforms, and whether the proposed guidelines might be seen as overly restrictive. Stakeholders from various sectors, including tech companies and civil rights organizations, are likely to have differing opinions on the approach taken by the commission and its ultimate recommendations.

Companion Bills

MA H82

Similar To Relative to protecting the residents of the Commonwealth

MA H4712

Replaced by Matters before the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery

Previously Filed As

MA H3039

Relative to snow hauling and removal

MA H2804

Relative to medical and dental expense deductions

MA H1193

Relative to maintaining independent authority over nursing licensure in the Commonwealth

MA H302

Extending pandemic-related relief for dining establishments

MA H3499

Relative to providing veterans survivor benefits

MA H2530

Exempting all positions in the police department of the town of Needham from the civil service law

MA H2051

Requiring automatic external defibrillators in Norfolk County public buildings

MA H3038

Relative to the consolidation of Inspector General annual reports

Similar Bills

CA AB1545

Children: internet safety: platform operators.

CA AB3339

Kids Internet Design and Safety Act.

CA AB2

Injuries to children: civil penalties.

NJ A1879

Concerns social media privacy and data management for children and establishes New Jersey Children's Data Protection Commission.

CA AB2408

Social media platform: child users: addiction.

CA AB56

Social media: warning labels.

CA ACR219

California Social Media Users’ Bill of Rights.

CA AB3172

Social media platforms: injuries to children: civil penalties.