Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) addressed the Senate floor, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to tackle America's mental health crisis and the influence of social media. Joining her was Senator George Helmy (D-N.J.), who recently took office and expressed his desire to collaborate on these issues. Together, they highlighted the necessity of protecting children online, empowering parents, holding social media companies accountable, and working across party lines for substantial progress.

Senator Britt shared her thoughts: “I think it’s important for our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and understand just how pressing America’s mental health crisis really is. I was honored when Senator Helmy came to me right after being sworn in and told me that he wanted to work together on mental health issues and social media.”

She pointed out the widespread use of social media among teenagers: “Social media usage became pervasive among America’s kids. And the numbers back it up. If you look: 54 percent of teenagers said it [would be] ‘hard’ (or ‘somewhat hard’) to give up social media; half say that they’re ‘addicted’ to their phones, that was in a 2016 survey, (I) can’t imagine what it would say today; 35 percent say that they are ‘almost constantly’ on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook . . . Almost all of America’s teens have access to a smartphone. This near-constant use of social media platforms has consequences.”

Senator Britt also discussed her collaboration with Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on legislation: “I want to mention one other piece of (bipartisan) legislation . . . and that is my work with Senator John Fetterman . . . [T]he Stop the Scroll Act, would require a warning label when people open up a social media platform, almost like a pop-up, that would also (be required to) include links to mental health resources. We want to ensure that resources are at the fingertips of those who need it most . . .”

Expressing optimism about bipartisan efforts, she added: “I also have faith we can do right by America’s kids. Here we have two people who are quite far apart on several issues but who were able to come together to address an urgent problem. And with the Stop the Scroll Act, we have a small bill that can make a big difference … I’m proud to have worked with him on this critical topic, and I’m proud to have served with him in the Senate. Thank you, Senator Helmy.”

Senator Helmy acknowledged Britt's leadership: “I applaud your leadership, and while I appreciate you mentioning that I wanted us to come together, I would just make a point that all of the bills you have mentioned have one thing in common. Not only the general thematic but they are bipartisan. I think what that says... it’s a tribute to your leadership, your thoughtfulness, and your doggedness on this issue...”

Senator Britt has been active in addressing social media's challenges since taking office. In May, she collaborated with Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on introducing the Kids Off Social Media Act. She also supports Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal's (D-Conn.) Kids Online Safety Act.

In September, alongside Senator Fetterman, she introduced the Stop the Scroll Act aimed at requiring mental health warnings on social media platforms as recommended by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy.

Additionally, with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Britt introduced the Youth Mental Health Research Act focused on creating a national initiative for youth mental health research.