Nationwide Push for Kids Online Safety Gains Momentum: What’s Next?
A bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general, led by New Jersey’s Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, has urged Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S.1748. This escalating pressure highlights a growing national concern over the impact of social media and online platforms on the well-being of children, and teenagers.
The Core of the Debate: KOSA and State vs. Federal Authority
KOSA aims to hold online platforms accountable for protecting minors from harmful content and addictive design features. The central issue driving the current push is a concern that the House version of the bill, H.R. 6484, would limit states’ ability to enact their own laws regarding online safety. The attorneys general are specifically advocating for the Senate version, which preserves states’ rights and includes a “Duty of Care” provision requiring companies to accept reasonable steps to prevent harm to young users.
New Jersey Leads the Charge with Direct Action Against Tech Giants
New Jersey has been at the forefront of protecting children online, taking direct legal action against major tech companies. Recent lawsuits filed by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General target Meta (Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, and Discord, alleging unlawful practices that harm young people. Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized the state’s commitment to holding these companies accountable for profiting from addictive features and a lack of safety safeguards.
Growing Concerns Over Mental Health and Online Addiction
The urgency behind KOSA stems from mounting evidence linking social media use to negative mental health outcomes in children and teens. The attorneys general’s letter points to the addictive nature of these platforms and the potential for exploitation. As Acting Attorney General Davenport stated, the actions of some tech companies have left children vulnerable to predators and excessive usage.
Beyond KOSA: A Broader Trend of Regulation and Parental Control
The debate surrounding KOSA is part of a larger, evolving landscape of online safety regulations. In 2024, Australia approved a social media ban for under-16s, and Utah passed legislation requiring age verification for app users. These developments signal a global shift towards greater oversight of online platforms and a desire to empower parents with more control over their children’s digital experiences.
Did you know? The Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA) proposes a ban on social media platforms allowing children under 13 to create accounts, but has seen limited progress in Congress.
The Future of Online Safety: What to Expect
Several trends are likely to shape the future of online safety for children:
- Increased State Legislation: Even if the federal KOSA bill stalls, states are expected to continue enacting their own laws to protect children online.
- Age Verification Technologies: The demand for reliable age verification methods will likely increase as lawmakers seek ways to enforce age restrictions on online platforms.
- Enhanced Platform Transparency: Pressure will mount on social media companies to be more transparent about their algorithms and data collection practices.
- Parental Control Tools: Expect to see more sophisticated parental control tools emerge, offering parents greater insight into their children’s online activity.
FAQ: Kids Online Safety Act
- What is KOSA? KOSA is proposed federal legislation designed to protect minors on social media and other digital services by requiring platforms to address harmful content and design features.
- What is the “Duty of Care” provision? This provision requires covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in designing and managing their services to prevent harm to young users.
- Why are states concerned about the House version of KOSA? The House version may limit states’ ability to enact their own laws protecting children online.
- Which states are supporting KOSA? Forty attorneys general from states including New Jersey, Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, and Tennessee have voiced their support.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your child’s privacy settings on social media platforms and discuss online safety with them. Open communication is key to fostering a safe online experience.
Learn more about online safety resources for parents and children at Common Sense Media.
What are your thoughts on the Kids Online Safety Act? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation!
