Youth Mental Health & AI Policies (2026)

Legislative page, Jaden Hong, asks members of the House Early Learning and Human Services about youth involvement in policies that address emerging technologies. Representatives Bergquist and Eslick share their reasons for wanting today's youth to limit their screen time.

Question: As a Youth Advisor with the University of Washington Youth Advisory Board, I’ve worked on youth technology use and digital well-being based on input from thousands of students and families across Washington. From a youth care perspective, how can the state address the mental health and developmental impacts of emerging technologies like AI and social media outside of school, and what role should youth voice play in shaping prevention and support services?

Discussion Questions:
1. What guardrails does Representative Eslick want to put on social media and AI for our youth?
2. Does Representative Eslick think that a local approach or a state wide approach is more appropriate for youth technology use? Why?
3. Why does Representative Bergquist think that youth should be involved in AI policies?
4. How are the legislators' ideas similar and how are they different?


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