A resolution designating June 23, 2024, as "Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day".

Bill: 118-sres-730
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2024-06-12
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Latest action: action_date: 2024-06-12
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4058)

Summaries:
action_date: 2024-06-12
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution designates June 23, 2024, as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day&nbsp;and encourages government, industry, and community stakeholders to take action to prevent social media-related harm.</p>

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES.730 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 12, 2024 Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mrs. Blackburn ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating June 23, 2024, as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day .

Whereas the internet has revolutionized the ability to exchange information, improved the accessibility of education, reduced the costs of healthcare through telehealth, and stimulated the national economy by providing millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in gross product each year; Whereas social media has become central to modern communication, bringing together people from across the globe; Whereas teenagers spend at least 8 hours on screens per day, on average; Whereas 93 percent of teenagers use social media; Whereas 51 percent of teenagers spend nearly 5 hours on social media each day; Whereas social media presents significant risks, especially to adolescents, including the perpetuation and promotion of harmful and dangerous behaviors and connections; Whereas countless individuals and families have suffered harms, including death, because of experiences on social media platforms, including cyberbullying, harassment, exposure to sex trafficking, and exploitation; Whereas social media has been linked to an increase in illicit drug poisoning and overdose related deaths; Whereas social media use has been linked to self-harming behavior and suicidal ideation in youth; Whereas suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in children aged 15 to 19; Whereas it is vital to recognize and honor the experiences of those who have been harmed by social media, including the victims, survivors, and their families; Whereas commemorating Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of social media and to advocate for measures to effectively mitigate these harms; and Whereas establishing a designated day of remembrance fosters empathy, solidarity, and support for those who have endured social media-related trauma and encourages efforts to promote digital well-being and online safety: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) designates June 23, 2024, as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day to honor the individuals who have lost their lives and have suffered harm because of social media; (2) reaffirms its commitment to protecting individuals from harm in digital spaces and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and responsibility online by acknowledging the significance of Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day; (3) urges individuals, communities, organizations, and social media platforms to observe Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day through activities such as remembrance ceremonies, educational events, and advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness about social media harms and supporting victims and survivors; (4) calls upon relevant government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders to collaborate in developing and implementing initiatives to address social media harms effectively, including enhancing digital literacy, promoting online safety measures, and supporting victims’ rights; and (5) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to promote awareness of Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day and encourage actions to prevent social media-related harm.