States are increasingly confronting how social media and online platforms affect youth well-being. Up to 95% of teens report using social media, and research links online activity to mental health risks, predation, and greater exposure to illicit substances. Emerging evidence shows that digital channels can facilitate access to counterfeit pills and other drugs, with one CDC-supported study finding that nearly one in four overdose deaths among 10-19-year-olds involved counterfeit pills obtained through social media. Additional analyses suggest that roughly 13 of every 100 drug-related posts across major platforms are selling or advertising substances. Anonymous communication channels, mail-based distribution systems, and inconsistent policy compliance on digital platforms can further complicate detection and enforcement, underscoring the need for stronger prevention, early identification of online risks, and coordinated strategies to promote safer digital environments for youth.

Opportunities and Outcomes of Interest

Reduce youth exposure to online drug markets and counterfeit pills.

• Limit youth exposure to illicit substances online by addressing drug-related advertising, counterfeit pill sales, and weak age-verification measures on mainstream digital platforms.

Reduce youth overdose and death associated with online drug access.

• Implement prevention strategies that disrupt digital pathways through which counterfeit pills and illicit substances reach youth to reduce overdose risk and fatal exposures.

Improve early identification of substance use risks linked to online behaviors.

• Help caregivers, educators, and behavioral-health providers recognize warning signs such as drug-related posts, targeted messaging, and platform-based recruitment.

Increase youth awareness of online substance-related risks.

• Develop and disseminate research-supported educational materials that help youth recognize deceptive marketing and understand online drug-related risks.

Strengthen coordination and law enforcement capacity to disrupt online drug distribution.

• Leverage state-federal collaboration, clarify enforcement roles, and bolster law enforcement’s ability to identify perpetrators of online drug sales through improved monitoring, training, technological tools, and response capacity.

Promote safer digital environments and support prevention.

• Encourage platforms to adopt safeguards such as content detection, transparent moderation, and age-appropriate protections while equipping parents, educators, and communities with digital literacy tools and prevention guidance.

Recent Policy Approaches

States across the country are increasingly pursuing policy solutions to protect youth in digital spaces, with a focus on reducing exposure to harmful content and strengthening safeguards around social media use. Recent legislative trends emphasize improving platform accountability, limiting risky features, and expanding education and awareness efforts for families and schools.

South Carolina H.B. 3431 (enacted 2026)

• Establishes stringent requirements for online services to protect minors, mandating robust privacy, safety, and parental control measures, restricting data use and targeted advertising, and providing for strong enforcement and transparency.

Utah S.B. 46 (enacted 2025)

• Extends the Youth Electronic Cigarette, Marijuana, and Other Drug Prevention Program, supporting ongoing statewide prevention and education

Maryland H.B. 1316 (enacted 2025)

• Requires creation of a comprehensive, youth-focused technology and social media guide for public school students to promote safe technology use and inform students about risks and benefits of digital engagement.

Colorado H.B. 25-1135 (enacted 2025)

• Requires public schools to adopt and publicly post student communication device use policies, aiming to protect student health, safety, and welfare.

Vermont S. 69 (enacted 2025)

• Establishes stringent privacy, safety, and transparency standards for online services accessed by minors, including high default privacy settings and limits on data collection and adult interactions.

California A.B. 56 (enacted 2025)

• Directs social media platforms to display prominent health warnings to users under 18 regarding risks associated with social media use.

South Carolina H.B. 4631 (introduced 2025)

• Requires social media platforms operating in the state to display public service announcements regarding the dangers of social media use by children and teens.

Illinois S.B. 0280 (introduced 2025)

• Creates a new Class 1 felony for knowingly using an electronic communication device (including social platforms) to facilitate fentanyl trafficking.

Georgia S.B. 351 (enacted 2024)

• Regulates minors’ social media access, mandates educational programs on digital safety, requires schools to enforce social media policies, and establishes age verification requirements.

Texas H.B. 499 (introduced 2024)

• Requires social media platforms to display a warning about the potential mental health issues associated with minors’ social media use.

Additional Resources

• Research Translation Platform Fact Sheet (includes additional policy considerations and examples)
  • Social Media and Fentanyl Sales
• Brief on Ensuring Child Safety Online – The Kempe Center
• Brief on the Impact of Social Media on Child Development – Nebraska Family Impact Seminar

ⁱ This document provides examples for educational purposes and does not endorse any specific policy. It also includes summaries and information derived from an AI policy analysis tool.