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Bill

Bill

A 2367

Establishes public awareness campaign on dangers of social media use to minors; appropriates $500,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey funds $500,000 public awareness campaign educating minors and families about social media health risks, currently in legislative committee review.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
#children #internet
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Bill Summary · A 2367

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2367 establishes a public awareness campaign in New Jersey designed to educate the public about risks associated with social media use among minors. The bill allocates $500,000 to fund this educational initiative, which would likely include materials, advertising, and outreach efforts targeting parents, educators, and young people themselves.

Why is this important

Social media use among minors has become a significant public health concern, with research linking excessive use to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and other developmental issues. A state-funded awareness campaign could help parents and educators make informed decisions about digital literacy and screen time management, potentially reducing harm while informing policy discussions.

Potential points of contention

  • Effectiveness and accountability: Questions about whether $500,000 will produce measurable public health outcomes, and what metrics would determine success versus wasted spending.
  • Scope of "dangers": Disagreement over whether the campaign should focus narrowly on documented harms (addiction, mental health) or broadly on social media use itself, and whether it adequately acknowledges benefits like social connection and creative expression.
  • Free speech concerns: Potential criticism that state-funded messaging about private platforms could be viewed as government interference in speech, or conversely, that the campaign doesn't go far enough in advocating for regulation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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