Bill > H2236

This bill establishes a special commission on children's mental health and social media to comprehensively investigate and address the potential risks of social media platforms to children. The commission will be composed of diverse stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, educators, representatives from advocacy organizations, and individuals with personal or professional experience related to social media's impact on youth. The commission's key objectives include: investigating the harmful effects of social media on children's mental health (such as self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, bullying, and sexual exploitation); developing a legal framework for reviewing independent algorithm audits of social media platforms; identifying best practices for platforms to protect children's safety and privacy; and creating recommendations for safe social media use by children. The commission will conduct research, solicit public input through hearings, and produce a detailed report with legislative recommendations by December 31, 2026. The comprehensive approach aims to understand and mitigate the potential negative consequences of social media on children's psychological well-being, with a particular focus on platform design features, algorithmic impacts, and protective strategies for young users.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2236