New Jersey Assembly advances bills targeting youth mental health, harmful social media content
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey General Assembly has advanced two bills aimed at improving mental health support for children and limiting harmful social media practices linked to eating disorders among minors.
The legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Michael Venezia, responds to growing concerns about youth mental health challenges and the impact social media platforms can have on children’s self-image and emotional well-being.
“When a child is facing a mental health crisis, families should leave the hospital with answers and support, not uncertainty,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington), who sponsored both bills. “Making sure parents are connected to local care resources can be life-changing, and we also have a responsibility to address the harmful online content that can fuel dangerous behaviors like eating disorders. These bills are about protecting kids when they need it most.”
One measure, Bill A2733, would require hospital emergency departments to provide parents or guardians of children experiencing mental health crises with information about local care management organizations. Those organizations offer county-based support services for youth dealing with mental health, behavioral, developmental and substance use challenges.
A second bill, A2739, would prohibit social media companies from using algorithms, designs or features they know — or reasonably should know — could contribute to eating disorders among child users. The proposal also would ban the promotion of diet products to minors on those platforms.
Violations could carry civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation.
The bill includes exemptions for platforms that implement quarterly internal audits, hire independent third-party annual auditors or are owned by companies generating less than $100 million in annual gross revenue during the prior calendar year.
“Children are growing up in a world where online influences can have very real consequences on their mental and physical health,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “We need stronger safeguards in place, whether that means helping families find mental health services during a crisis or holding social media companies accountable for harmful content pushed to young users.”
Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney also sponsored the social media legislation.
“Protecting kids means recognizing that mental and physical health and online safety go hand in hand,” said Assemblywoman Sweeney (D-Morris, Passaic). “Families deserve immediate access to support when a child is in crisis, and children deserve online spaces that do not push harmful content that damages their self-worth and well-being. This legislation take important steps toward making both of those things a reality.”
