Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY –  It’s become increasingly obvious the toll social media has had on Kentucky adolescents with our young people facing increasing rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and sextortion. And that reality is apparent in the data – one in six Kentucky kids were diagnosed with depression or anxiety and nearly one in five Kentucky high school students seriously considered attempting suicide. 

The good news is Representative Kim Moser is taking a proactive approach to support youth mental health and expand suicide prevention efforts in championing House Bill 686, which unanimously passed the House Families and Children Committee this morning. 

Upon adoption, this legislation would establish the Kentucky Positive Youth Development commission and trust fund to support the research and development of positive youth development programming, as well as establish a Suicide Awareness and Reduction Network within the State Interagency Council. The commission and trust fund will be made possible through any settlement funds awarded through a major multi-district litigation currently moving forward against social media companies with the central claim being the risk and harm of social media platforms on youth mental health. In short, HB 686 will create opportunities for investment in out-of-school time and other programming that boosts protective factors and positive youth development. 

Alongside our partners in the Bloom Kentucky initiative, we are grateful to see HB 686 advance in the legislature and are hopeful that it will reach the Governor’s desk by the end of the 2026 session. We thank Representative Moser for leading this charge and for committee members ensuring its passage today.

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.