(WHTM)-- Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D) and Alabama Senator Katie Britt (R) introduced a bill that would require social media platforms to display a mental health warning label.
The Stop the Scroll Act would ensure that all users, especially minors, are aware of the potential mental health risks social media use poses. The legislation will also provide access to mental health resources.
“As a Senator, but more importantly, as a dad to three young kids, I feel a duty to address how dangerous unchecked social media can be for our mental health. The evidence is right in front of us—addiction, anxiety, depression, and suicide are on the rise, and it’s directly tied to these platforms. Senator Britt and I are introducing the Stop the Scroll Act to make sure our laws catch up with the reality we are living in. This bill will help kids and parents alike take control of their social media use, not the other way around,” said Senator Fetterman.
According to Fetterman, the warning label would appear as a pop-up box when users open a social media platform. The label will also include links to mental health resources.
“Every child deserves the chance to live their own personal American Dream, but our nation’s youth mental health crisis is getting in the way for far too many,” said Senator Britt. “With the Stop the Scroll Act, Senator Fetterman and I are following through on the Surgeon General’s call to create a warning label for social media platforms, but we’re going further by requiring the warning label to also point users to mental health resources. Equipped with the knowledge of the dangers and empowered with the resources to address it, this simple solution will help parents and kids thrive.”
The Attorney's General of 42 states and U.S. territories voiced support for similar legislation earlier in September, according to Fetterman.