With children’s mental and physical health top of mind, the New Jersey General Assembly advanced legislation designed to improve access to crisis support services and address harmful social media practices that can contribute to eating disorders among young users. Bills A2733 and A2739 respond to growing concerns about the mental health challenges facing children and the impact digital platforms can have on young people’s self-image and emotional health. Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Michael Venezia sponsored both bills.
“When a child is facing a mental health crisis, families should leave the hospital with answers and support, not uncertainty,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington), who sponsored both bills. “Making sure parents are connected to local care resources can be life-changing, and we also have a responsibility to address the harmful online content that can fuel dangerous behaviors like eating disorders. These bills are about protecting kids when they need it most.”
Together, the bills aim to strengthen protections for children during moments of crisis and reduce harmful influences that can impact their long-term health and well-being.
Bill A2733 would require hospital emergency departments to provide parents or guardians of children experiencing a mental health crisis with information about local care management organizations, which offer county-based support services for youth facing mental health, behavioral, developmental, and substance use challenges.
“Children are growing up in a world where online influences can have very real consequences on their mental and physical health,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “We need stronger safeguards in place, whether that means helping families find mental health services during a crisis or holding social media companies accountable for harmful content pushed to young users.”
Bill A2739 would prohibit social media platforms from using designs, algorithms, or features that they know, or reasonably should know, could contribute to the development of eating disorders among child users, including the promotion of diet products to minors. Violations of the bill could result in civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation. Social media platforms would not be found to violate the bill if they institute and maintain an internal quarterly audit program, hire an independent third party to conduct an annual audit, or if they are controlled by a business entity generating less than $100 million in annual gross revenue in the previous calendar year. Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney also sponsored A2739.
“Protecting kids means recognizing that mental and physical health and online safety go hand in hand,” said Assemblywoman Sweeney (D-Morris, Passaic). “Families deserve immediate access to support when a child is in crisis, and children deserve online spaces that do not push harmful content that damages their self-worth and well-being. This legislation take important steps toward making both of those things a reality.”