ACR 224: 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 health care through telehealth, and stimulated the national economy by providing millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in gross product each year; and

WHEREAS, Social media has become central to modern communication, bringing together people from across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Teenagers spend at least eight hours on screens per day, on average; and

WHEREAS, Ninety-three percent of teenagers use social media; and

WHEREAS, Fifty-three percent of teenagers spend nearly five hours on social media each day; and

WHEREAS, Social media presents significant risks, especially to adolescents, including the perpetuation and promotion of harmful and dangerous behaviors and connections; and

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; and

WHEREAS, Social media has been linked to an increase in illicit drug poisoning and overdose-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, Social media use has been linked to self-harming behavior and suicidal ideation in youth; and

WHEREAS, Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in children 15 to 19 years of age, inclusive; and

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; and

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 by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates June 23, 2026, as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day in the State of California to honor the individuals who have lost their lives and have suffered harm because of social media; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature 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; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature 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; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature calls upon relevant 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 be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.