Congress Proposes Legislation to Protect Kids from Social Media and Gaming

The Kids Online Safety Act Addresses Concerns About Youth Exposure to Online Harms

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Combat Growing Issue

Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) have introduced the Kids Online Safety Act, a bill designed to safeguard children from the potential risks associated with social media and gaming platforms.

The legislation has garnered support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), but it has yet to be scheduled for a floor vote due to objections from some lawmakers.

If passed, the bill would hold social media and gaming companies accountable for preventing and mitigating harms to children, including:

• Cyberbullying and online harassment
• Promotion of suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders
• Sexual exploitation and grooming
• Drug and alcohol abuse

The bill defines "covered platforms" as online platforms, video games, messaging applications, and apps that are reasonably likely to be used by minors.

Protecting Children's Mental Health

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to harmful online content can negatively impact children's mental health and well-being.

The Kids Online Safety Act aims to address these concerns by requiring covered platforms to implement robust safety measures, such as:

• Age verification systems
• Content moderation tools
• Parental controls and monitoring tools

The bill also establishes a new "Duty of Care" for covered platforms, requiring them to take reasonable steps to protect children from online harms.

Conclusion

The Kids Online Safety Act represents a significant step towards protecting children from the potential risks of social media and gaming.

While the bill faces some objections, it has received bipartisan support and is backed by a growing number of experts and advocates.

As the bill moves through Congress, it is essential that policymakers prioritize the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.