WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced the Safe Social Media Act  which requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to conduct a study on the effects of social media use among American teenagers and children.

Last month, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky requesting information on CDC studies and actions to address the extended use of social media by American children and young adults, and its potential impact on their health and wellbeing.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all Americans, but our children and teens have had their lives drastically altered. With school closures and more time indoors, kids have been spending even more time on the internet and on social media. Now with the news that Facebook is developing an Instagram app for kids under 13, it is more important than ever that we understand the impacts of extended social media use on children and teens. My Safe Social Media Act  will make sure the federal government studies the risks associated with the repeated and long-term use of social media by those under the age of 18 and reports its findings to Congress along with policy recommendations.”

The Safe Social Media Act:

• Requires FTC, in conjunction with the CDC, to conduct a study on social media use among individuals under the age 18, and report:
  • What personal information is collected by social media platforms;
  • How their personal information is being used;
  • How often they use social media daily;
  • Differences in the use of social media for various age groups;
  • The mental health effects linked to the use of social media; and
  • Potential harmful effects from extended social media use.
• Requires FTC to submit to Congress a report on the findings of the study, including any recommended policy changes based on such findings.

###