Bill
Bill > S4429
NJ S4429
NJ S4429Establishes public awareness campaign on dangers of social media use to minors; appropriates $500,000.
summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a public awareness campaign on the dangers of social media use to minors, and makes an appropriation. The purpose of the campaign is to help the public, and in particular parents and guardians, better respond the needs of minors, and utilize current research findings, including those arising from the United States Surgeon General's May 2023 advisory on social media and youth mental health. Under the bill, the Department of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, will develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the dangers of social media use to minors through media outlets which include, but are not limited to: Statewide newspapers, radio, public service announcements, social media, television ads, and any other media outlets deemed appropriate by the Commissioner, no later than 180 days after this bill is enacted. The public awareness campaign builds on the progress of the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents established by law on July 24, 2023. The Commissioner of Education will report to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than 24 months after the effective date of this act, on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign. Finally, the bill appropriates, from the General Fund to the Department of Education, $500,000 to develop and implement the public awareness campaign.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a statewide public awareness campaign focused on educating parents and guardians about the potential dangers of social media use by minors, drawing from the United States Surgeon General's May 2023 advisory on youth mental health. The bill highlights significant concerns about social media's impact on young people, including risks such as increased depression and anxiety, exposure to harmful content, online harassment, and potential predatory interactions. The New Jersey Department of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, will develop and implement a comprehensive campaign across various media platforms like newspapers, radio, television, and social media within 180 days of enactment. The campaign aims to help parents and guardians better understand and respond to the mental health challenges associated with social media use, particularly noting that up to 95 percent of teens aged 13-17 use social media platforms, with over a third using them "almost constantly". To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund and requires the Commissioner of Education to report on the campaign's activities and accomplishments within 24 months of the act's effective date. The Department of Education may also accept additional grants or support from federal agencies, foundations, or other entities to further the campaign's goals.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 05/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4429 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4429_I1.HTM |
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