[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 730 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES.730

 Designating June 23, 2024, as ``Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance 
                                 Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   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
    Resolved, 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.
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