A proposed bill aimed at curbing social media addiction among minors took center stage during the Connecticut General Law Committee Public Hearing on February 10, 2025. House Bill 857, introduced by the Attorney General's office, seeks to implement strict regulations on how social media companies engage with users under 18, addressing growing concerns about the mental health impacts of social media.

The bill's primary focus is on preventing addiction by prohibiting social media platforms from using algorithms to target young users without parental consent. It establishes default settings that limit access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok between midnight and 6 AM and restricts usage to just one hour per day unless parents opt to change these settings.

Attorney General representatives highlighted the alarming trend of social media addiction among youth, noting that companies like Meta employ strategies designed to keep users engaged, often leading to exposure to harmful content. The bill aims to protect minors from these tactics, which can escalate from seemingly innocent interests to more extreme and potentially damaging material.

In addition to usage restrictions, the bill mandates that social media companies report annually to the state on the number of minors using their platforms, the extent of parental consent, and average daily usage statistics broken down by age and time of day.

This legislative effort reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard young people from the pervasive influence of social media and its associated risks, marking a significant step in the ongoing conversation about digital safety and mental health.