WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) at a press conference with community leaders and advocates to emphasize the critical need for Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) before the August recess. This bipartisan legislation aims to implement robust measures to protect children from various online threats, ensuring a safer digital environment.

“We are so grateful to the advocates because [they] have really brought [their] stories to bear on the importance of this and the necessity of making certain that the virtual space is going to be a safe space for young people,” said Senator Blackburn. “Congress has not passed a bill – a law has not been signed – since 1998 to protect our children in the virtual space. We have seen some of the negative effects that this has brought, and we look forward to being able to move this over to the House for a speedy consideration.”

“Today is about the parents and young people who opened their hearts and became the faces and voices of tragedy,” said Senator Blumenthal. “People who are driven by a cause can make things happen. They came forward with their photograph – their story – and they moved the United States Senate.”

• An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that many online platforms are designed in ways that create negative body image, incite bullying and other damaging behaviors like substance use, can lead to self-harm and suicidal behaviors, promote addictive use patterns, and push products that are especially unsafe for children. The Kids Online Safety Act seeks to address these challenges by obliging online platforms to prioritize children's safety, enhance transparency, and empower parents and guardians in protecting their wards. Public support for action is clear, and polling shows that 87% of the U.S. electorate supports congressional action to “combat the harms being caused by social media platforms.” The Kids Online Safety Act has made significant progress with 70 total Senators now signed on to support the bill.

Click here to download photos and video from the press conference.