[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 99 (Wednesday, June 12, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S4058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 730--DESIGNATING JUNE 23, 2024, AS ``SOCIAL MEDIA 
                     HARMS VICTIM REMEMBRANCE DAY''

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mrs. Blackburn) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 730

       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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