December 11, 2025
Mr. Vindman (for himself and Mr. Barrett) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the mental, social, and developmental impacts of screen addiction among young men, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Tech Wellness for Young Men Act
.
Sec. 2. National study on screen addiction in young men
(a) In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, shall conduct a comprehensive study on the mental, social, and developmental impacts of screen addiction among young men in the United States aged 12 to 25.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study, the Secretary shall examine—
(1)
relationships between excessive screen use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidality, violent tendencies, and social withdrawal;
(2)
impacts on emotional development, impulse control, academic performance, and attention span;
(3)
the erosion of interpersonal relationships, including friendships, dating, and family communication;
(4)
patterns of digital dependency, including compulsive use of gaming, streaming, and social media; and
(5)
broader social effects, including disengagement from school, extracurricular activities, civic participation, and physical activity.
(c) Consultation
In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consult with—
(1)
experts in adolescent psychiatry, developmental psychology, addiction science, and behavioral health;
(2)
community organizations, school-based health centers, and youth-serving nonprofit organizations; and
(3)
professionals in human-computer interaction, gaming design, and social media ethics.
(d) Report to Congress
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and publish on the public internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services, a report containing a summary of the findings of the Secretary based on the study, including an identification of the subgroups of young men that are most affected by excessive screen use.