CA AB1282

State Department of Public Health must report to Legislature by December 31, 2026, on a statewide strategy to understand, communicate, and mitigate mental health risks from social media use by children and youth (defined as individuals up to 26 years old).

Report must analyze the degree to which social media positively, negatively, or neutrally impacts mental health of children and youth, and provide recommendations to strengthen resilience strategies and mental health services related to social media use.

Department must explore types of social media, vulnerable populations experiencing disproportionate impacts, negative behavioral health risks (including substance misuse), and factors contributing to various outcomes across different youth populations.

Department shall prioritize perspectives of children and youth through robust engagement with transition-age youth, at-risk populations, underserved communities, and must consult with mental health professionals, consumers, families, educators, and subject matter experts before publishing the report.

These provisions expire and are repealed on January 1, 2030.