Colorado Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Curb Negative Impacts of Teen Social Media Use

Colorado lawmakers are gearing up for a public debate on constitutional rights, consumer protections, parental responsibility, and the evolving landscape of technology as they tackle the pressing issue of excessive teen social media use.

With social media platforms themselves implementing measures like time limits and alerts, Colorado legislators are stepping in to address the potential harms faced by young users.

Valentina Castanon, a 17-year-old advocate, played a pivotal role in pushing forward the bipartisan bill titled "Healthier Social Media Use by Youth" through her involvement with the Colorado Youth Congress.

This bill, HB24-1136, aims to create a resource bank for educators and parents on the effects of social media on youth mental health. It includes provisions for pop-up warnings to limit young users' late-night usage of social media apps.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Rep. Rose Pugliese (email)

• Rep. Judy Amabile (email)

• Sen. Lisa Cutter (email)

• Sen. Jim Smallwood (email)

Expressing optimism about the bill's impact, Castanon emphasized the need for collective efforts beyond legislation. She stressed the importance of parental involvement in guiding teens on responsible technology use.

Another bill, SB24-158, focuses on holding social media companies accountable by establishing age-verification requirements and banning harmful activities on their platforms.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Sen. Chris Hansen (email)

• Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (email)

• Rep. Meghan Lukens (email)

Rep. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat sponsoring one of the bills, highlighted the escalating concerns regarding children's mental health, with social media playing a significant role. A recent U.S. surgeon general report underscored the risks associated with excessive social media use, linking it to higher rates of mental health issues among teenagers.

While some states have taken drastic measures like attempting to ban certain platforms, Colorado's approach emphasizes education and accountability. The bills aim to empower parents and guardians to regulate their children's social media usage, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to mitigating the negative impacts while recognizing the potential benefits of social media for marginalized groups.

Sen. Chris Hansen, a Denver Democrat leading the charge for stricter regulations on social media companies, emphasized the need for a high-accountability model to address the challenges posed by these platforms. Despite concerns from industry representatives about navigating varying state regulations, the bills aim to prioritize youth safety and well-being.

READ MORE:

• PEDOPHILES GET HELP ABUSING CHILDREN FROM SOCIAL MEDIA CEO’S

• COLORADO GOV. POLIS ADVOCATES FOR PARENTAL CONTROL OVER CHILDREN'S SOCIAL MEDIA USE, REJECTING STATE-IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS

• COLORADAN SUES META AS COMPANY PUTS MORE PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR YOUTH

• FEDS CEASE PROVIDING INTELLIGENCE TO SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

• CONTROVERSIAL COLORADO BILL TO MAKE FREE YOUTH THERAPY PERMANENT FACES SCRUTINY

Legislators are urged to consider the delicate balance between safeguarding children and upholding First Amendment rights.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized the role of parents in educating and guiding children's online activities, underscoring the importance of empowering families in navigating the the often dangerous digital landscape.

Are you enjoying THE LOBBY? Our stories are only possible because of generous contributions from our readers. Please consider chipping in today. Thank you!

Donate$5