— Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a comprehensive bipartisan proposal to protect children online by holding social media companies accountable for promoting self-harm, eating disorders, suicide, and other harmful behaviors on children's feeds. Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement in support of the bill:

"Common Sense Media applauds Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn for their leadership in working to build a safer digital world for our kids.

"Social media platforms aren't designed to keep kids healthy — they're designed to keep them hooked. Time and time again, research has shown that by amplifying posts that promote eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide, these platforms are driving a youth mental health crisis.

"For too long, policymakers turned a blind eye to this crisis, but the conversation is changing and the tide is turning. States across the country are now taking action to protect kids from harmful social media features like addictive feeds and targeted algorithms. But we shouldn't have to do this on a state-by-state basis. We need comprehensive federal action to protect our kids, including KOSA and other legislation. Leaders from both sides of the aisle agree because protecting kids online isn't about right and left — it's about right and wrong.

"Last year, the Senate demonstrated bipartisan support for KOSA, and we look forward to the House following suit this year. It's time for federal lawmakers to come together and build the future our kids deserve."

More information on KOSA can be found here.

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