Minnesota Report
If you are interested in Social Media controls then you might want to follow the Health and Human Services Working Group. The House conferees are Reps Robert Bierman (DFL-62B, Apple Valley), Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-49B, Eden Prairie), Liz Reyer(DFL-52B, Eagan), Jeff Backer(R-09A, Browns Valley), Nolan West (R-32A, Blaine), Jeremy Nadeau (R-34A, Rogers) and the Senate conferees are: Sens Melissa Wiklund (DFL-51, Bloomington); Alice Mann (DFL-50, Edina); Paul Utke (R-05, Park Rapids).
Specifically, the bill HF 1289, which is a portion of what will become the HHS Omnibus Bill Social Media Warning Labels. Main point is there is no onesize fits all.
Here are the points raised by the opposition.
● For many LGBTQ+ youth, online spaces provide crucial support and community they can’t find elsewhere
● Warning labels send a harmful message that seeking online community is inherently unhealthy
● Rural and isolated LGBTQ+ teens in Minnesota particularly, rely on these platforms for connection
Blanket Warnings Ignore Positive Benefits
● Warning labels fail to distinguish between harmful and beneficial uses of social media
● Research shows supportive online communities can improve mental health for vulnerable youth
● Many teens find identity validation, peer support, and valuable resources through social platforms
● Stigmatizing all social media use ignores how essential these connections are for many young people
Barriers for Vulnerable Communities
● Many families rely on social media to maintain connection
● Warning labels add obstacles for users with limited English proficiency
Better Progressive Solutions
● Focus on app store level parental consent that respects youth privacy
● Support digital literacy programs that teach critical thinking about online content
● Invest in accessible mental health services rather than stigmatizing warnings
● Create incentives for platforms to design healthier spaces while preserving community benefits
● Engage with vulnerable communities to develop solutions that meet their specific needs