Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Encourage Healthy Social Media Use Among Youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth. 

HB24-1136, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, would require social media platforms to display pop-up warnings and create a resource bank for schools, students and families related to the mental health impacts of excessive social media use.

“While social media can foster connections, experts are sounding the alarm about its addictive features – especially among youth,” said Cutter. “Three or more hours of social media use per day doubles adolescents’ risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. This bill would allow us to protect Colorado’s teens and enact commonsense measures and educational efforts that can help both parents and youth better understand the serious mental health effects of social media.” 

The resource bank would contain evidence-based, research-informed materials related to the mental health impacts of social media use. Additionally, the display pop-up warning would apply to users under 18 who are on a platform for certain lengths of time.

A 2023 Gallup survey found 51 percent of U.S. teens spend a minimum of four hours daily on social media, at an average of 4.8 hours every day. Studies show that excessive social media usage among teens can increase their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress. 

HB24-1136 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.