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HR 6679

Tech Wellness for Young Men Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tom Barrett

Requires a national HHS study on how screen use affects mental health, development, and social life of U.S. males 12–25, with an 18-month public report.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 6679

Summary of HR 6679 — Tech Wellness for Young Men Act

Overview

  • Bill Number: H.R. 6679
  • Title: Tech Wellness for Young Men Act
  • Introduced: December 11, 2025
  • Status: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Purpose (Short): Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive national study on the mental, social, and developmental impacts of screen addiction among young men aged 12 to 25.

Key Provisions

  1. National Study on Screen Addiction (Section 2)

    • The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with:
      • Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
      • Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • shall conduct a comprehensive study on the mental, social, and developmental impacts of screen addiction among U.S. young men aged 12–25.

  2. Study Contents (Substantive Areas to be Examined)

    • Relationship between excessive screen use and:
      • Suicidality
      • Violent tendencies
      • Social withdrawal
    • Impacts on:
      • Emotional development
      • Impulse control
      • Academic performance
      • Attention span
    • Erosion of interpersonal relationships:
      • Friendships, dating, family communication
    • Patterns of digital dependency:
      • Compulsive use of gaming, streaming, and social media
    • Broader social effects:
      • Disengagement from school, extracurricular activities, civic participation, and physical activity
      • Increases in depression and anxiety

  3. Consultation (Stakeholder Involvement)

    • The study shall consult:
      • Experts in adolescent psychiatry, developmental psychology, addiction science, and behavioral health
      • Community organizations, school-based health centers, and youth-serving nonprofit organizations
      • Professionals in human-computer interaction, gaming design, and social media ethics

  4. Reporting and Transparency

    • A report to Congress due no later than 18 months after enactment
    • The Secretary must publish the report on the Department of Health and Human Services’ public website
    • The report shall include:
      • A summary of findings
      • Identification of subgroups of young men most affected by excessive screen use

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Focus: U.S. males aged 12–25
  • Direct Beneficiaries: Young men and the organizations serving them (schools, health centers, youth services)
  • Engaged Stakeholders: Mental health professionals, researchers in psychiatry and psychology, addiction scientists, education and civic organizations, digital design/ethics professionals

Timeline and Process

  • Enactment Trigger: Upon passage (not specified beyond enactment date)
  • Study Duration for Report: Not later than 18 months after enactment
  • Dissemination: Public release via DHHS website and Congressional briefing/communication accompanying the report

Potential Impact

  • Establishes a federal, cross-agency study to understand how screen use affects mental health, development, and social engagement among young men.
  • Could inform future policy, funding, and program development aimed at mitigating negative outcomes related to screen addiction.
  • Involves a multi-disciplinary approach by integrating clinical, educational, technological, and ethical perspectives.

Note: The bill as introduced focuses on study and reporting; it does not itself mandate new programs or funding beyond the study requirements.

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

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