News Releases

Statement from Sen. Jeff Raatz on Senate Bill 199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) made the following statement on Senate Bill 199:

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2026) – "At this point in time, the provision in Senate Bill 199 regarding restricting social media use for minors is no longer moving forward.

"I feel strongly that Indiana should restrict teen social media usage at some level because the statistics are stacked against our young people. According to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nationally, suicide rates for teen girls have gone up 63.9% in the last 15 years, and male suicides are up 35%. Anxiety is up 134% and depression up 106% since 2010 for U.S. undergraduates.

"The mental health issues affiliated with social media use are skyrocketing, and I feel very strongly that Indiana needs to do something to curb these alarming statistics."

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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498