Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has introduced bipartisan legislation, the Stop the Scroll Act, aimed at mitigating the mental health challenges exacerbated by social media use. Collaborating with Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), the initiative seeks to implement warning labels on social media platforms, providing users with information about potential risks before accessing apps and websites.
In a recently published column, Senator Britt highlighted the alarming trends in youth mental health, linking the rise in depression, anxiety, and self-harm to the increasing prevalence of social media. She shared her concerns as both a mother and a policymaker, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect children and future generations.
According to Britt, mental health metrics among America’s youth have deteriorated significantly in recent years. Emergency room visits for mood disorders and self-harm, as well as suicide attempts, have risen dramatically. While multiple factors contribute to this crisis, Britt singled out social media as a particularly harmful influence.
“Bullying was bad enough when I was growing up. Now, with social media, it’s worse—and so is the state of mental health for America’s kids,” Britt wrote.
The Stop the Scroll Act proposes a straightforward yet impactful solution: requiring social media platforms to display warning labels about the potential mental health risks associated with their use. These warnings would include resources like the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Users would need to acknowledge the warning before accessing the platforms.
This approach mirrors the success of warning labels on cigarette packaging, which have helped inform users of health risks. Senator Britt believes similar measures could raise awareness about the dangers of social media and encourage safer usage habits.
“We’re not trying to bar Americans from using social media. We just want them to be informed before choosing to use it,” Britt explained.
The Stop the Scroll Act builds on bipartisan momentum to address youth mental health and social media accountability. Earlier this year, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, designed to enhance protections for children on digital platforms.
Britt expressed optimism about the bipartisan cooperation on the issue, citing support from the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and 42 state attorneys general, including Alabama’s Steve Marshall.
While Britt acknowledges that the Stop the Scroll Act is not a comprehensive solution, she views it as a critical step in creating a safer digital environment. “It’s simple, but it could make a world of difference,” Britt stated.
The legislation reflects a growing consensus among policymakers that addressing the mental health crisis requires immediate, innovative action. As Britt and Fetterman continue to advocate for their bill, the conversation around social media’s role in mental health remains a priority for lawmakers across the aisle.