Southern Wisconsin Times

Congressman Bryan Steil of Wisconsin and Congresswoman Becca Balint of Vermont have introduced the Protecting Young Minds Online Act. The proposed legislation directs the Center for Mental Health Services to create and distribute a strategy to address how new technologies, including social media, affect children’s mental health.

“Social media and emerging technologies can have a harmful impact on children, driving depression, anxiety, and in worst cases, self-harm and suicide,” said Steil. “The federal government should work alongside families, teachers, and children to provide the tools necessary to promote positive mental health and keep our children safe.”

“The loneliness crisis in this country affects us all one way or another. And young Americans are relying on social media and technology to find a sense of connection. But we know social media exposure can also have negative effects on mental health,” said Balint. “As a mom of two teens, and a former teacher, I’m deeply concerned about the mental health impact of social media on our youth. It’s critical we act to better understand the potential harms. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to take the important step to promote positive use of social media and protect our youth.”

Steil has previously secured election victories against several opponents: Peter Barca in 2024 with 54% of the vote; Ann Roe in 2022 with 54.1%; Roger Polack in 2020 with 59.3%; and Randy Bryce in 2018 with 54.6%.

A link is available for those who wish to read the full text of the legislation.