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Bill

S 3411

Establishes Social Media Research Center at four-year public institution of higher education.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a Social Media Research Center at a public university to study youth social media impacts and provide data-driven, policy-relevant guidance and resources.

Substituted by A4014 (ACS/1R)
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Bill Summary · S 3411

Summary of Bill S 3411 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Title

Establishes a Social Media Research Center at a four-year public institution of higher education and supplements Chapter 62 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

Purpose and Intent

  • To study the impacts of social media on safety, health, and development, with a focus on children and adolescents.
  • To position New Jersey as a leader in evidence-based social media policy.
  • To provide data-driven resources (courses, guidance, and outreach) for schools, families, and policymakers.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation and Hosting of the Center

    • Establishes a Social Media Research Center (the “center”) at a four-year public institution of higher education.
    • The Secretary of Higher Education will select the hosting institution.

  2. Mission and Activities

    • Conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary research, analysis, and outreach on social media use, especially among youth.
    • Aims to produce impartial, actionable science to inform government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

  3. Research and Outreach Activities

    • Develop online courses and training modules on safe social media use, available to public schools in New Jersey.
    • Research age-appropriate screen times and content.
    • Recommend policies and practices to the Legislature, Governor, and key stakeholders addressing mental, physical, and behavioral health impacts.
    • Study the effects of social media on New Jersey residents.
    • Lead public awareness campaigns to promote responsible use and media literacy.

  4. Grant Program (Optional)

    • The center may administer a grant program for social media research.
    • Funding decisions to be made via an open, competitive peer review process modeled on the NIH system.
    • Equal opportunity for all qualified investigators, regardless of institutional affiliation.

  5. Data Sharing and Collaboration with State Agencies

    • State departments (e.g., Health, Education, Children and Families) must provide data to the center upon request to aid research.

  6. Reporting Requirements

    • One year after establishment, and every five years thereafter, the hosting institution must report to the Governor and Legislature.
    • Reports include current projects, funding sources, and future directions; if applicable, details on grants awarded and program accomplishments.
    • Center and grant recipients must furnish copies of research publications to the Governor, the Legislature, and relevant state agencies that supplied data.

  7. Funding and Revenue

    • The Legislature must annually appropriate funds as needed to support the center’s research activities.
    • The center may also obtain grants, gifts, donations, or other funds from public or private sources.

  8. Effective Date

    • Takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is Affected

  • Host Institution: A four-year public college/university designated by the Secretary of Higher Education.
  • State Agencies: Departments such as Health, Education, and Children and Families that may provide data and use research findings.
  • Public Schools and Youth: Beneficiaries of online courses/training and guidance on safe social media use.
  • Researchers: Eligible to compete for center-administered grants, with protections for impartial, peer-reviewed funding.
  • General Public: Through outreach campaigns and improved media literacy resources.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Establishment: Immediate effect; center to be housed at a selected public four-year institution.
  • Initial Reporting: First report due one year after establishment.
  • Ongoing Reporting: Every five years thereafter.
  • Funding: Annual statewide appropriations; ability to attract external funding via grants and donations.
  • Data Sharing: Ongoing collaboration with state agencies as requested.

Potential Impacts

  • Increased understanding of how social media affects youth mental, physical, and behavioral health.
  • Availability of state-approved resources for safe use and media literacy in schools.
  • Enhanced state policy guidance based on peer-reviewed research.
  • Strengthened public-private collaboration on social media research.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language briefing for policymakers or a side-by-side comparison with related NJ initiatives.

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

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