TRENTON – Two bills sponsored by Senator Raj Mukherji and Senator Linda Greenstein that would establish a Social Media Research Center and expand research into addictive social media behaviors among youth were passed by the Senate.

"Young people are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and we have a responsibility to better understand the factors that may be contributing to this crisis,” said Senator Mukherji (D-Hudson). “Research has raised serious concerns about the effects of excessive social media use on young people, and by expanding our understanding through research, we can develop policies that better protect the health and well-being of New Jersey’s children.”

The first bill, S-3411, would establish the Social Media Research Center at a public institution of higher education to research the impacts of social media use, provide policy recommendations, develop educational resources, and recommend ways to address harmful social media behaviors.

“Today, we are living in a moment of real concern for the well-being of our youth, as parents and educators alike see the growing pressures they face online,” said Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “This legislation recognizes that urgency by ensuring we have the research and tools necessary to better understand the impact of social media and take the necessary steps to protect young people’s mental health.”

The second bill, S-3412, would require the Social Media Research Center to study addictive social media behaviors among youth and recommend warning labels, advertising disclaimers, and other strategies to help reduce their harmful effects.

The legislation is part of Governor Sherrill's broader effort to address the youth mental health crisis, which has been increasingly linked to excessive social media use, by codifying the Social Media Research Center established under Executive Order No. 6 to provide the State with the research needed to develop evidence-based policies and recommendations.