U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate June 23 as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day.
“While the internet has had many great benefits for communication, health care, and education, social media’s dark and addictive rabbit holes have harmed too many young people,” Sen. Blackburn said.
The resolution was advanced by the families of several young people who died because of experiencing trauma through their social media interactions, including cyberbullying and illicit drug poisoning.
The legislation, Senate Resolution 730, was introduced by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and cosponsored by Sen. Blackburn.
The resolution states that Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day would honor the individuals who have lost their lives and suffered harm because of social media, would reaffirm a commitment to protecting individuals from harm in digital spaces, and would promote a culture of respect, empathy, and responsibility online.
The resolution urges government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to implement initiatives to effectively address social media harms, such as improving digital literacy, promoting online safety, and supporting victims’ rights.
Sen. Blackburn is also the lead sponsor of the Kids Online Safety Act, S. 1409, which establishes requirements to protect minors from online harm.
“Big tech companies have repeatedly shown an inability to safeguard children’s data, ensure online safety, and prevent illicit fentanyl trafficking on their platforms,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “We must work together to address these longstanding issues and remember those we have lost.”