Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – On the heels of the rulings in other states this week that social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive, the Kentucky House overwhelmingly supported passage of House Bill 686 to promote the positive youth development and mental health of young people. 

The negative impacts of social media platforms is apparent to parents, educators, health professionals, lawmakers, and kids themselves, especially with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and sextortion among Kentucky children and adolescents. HB 686 proactively establishes the Kentucky Positive Youth Development commission and trust fund – made possible through any settlement funds awarded to Kentucky through the major multi-district litigation against social media companies – to support the research and development of positive youth development programming. It also establishes a Suicide Awareness and Reduction Network within the State Interagency Council. 

With our partners in the Bloom Kentucky initiative, we applaud Representative Kim Moser for championing HB 686 and House members for their vote today. We are hopeful that this measure will advance in the Senate and reach the Governor’s desk in the remaining days of the 2026 session. 

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.