Common Sense Media

We just wrapped up a successful Common Sense Curriculum Institute! 🎉 Over the last two weeks, we brought together educators from across the country to co-create the next version of our digital citizenship and well-being curriculum. Your insights and collaboration are crucial for ensuring our kids thrive in a tech-filled world—thank you for being part of this exciting journey! #CommonSenseEducation #Educators

Breaking kids' online safety news: Today Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he is bringing kids online safety and privacy legislation to the Senate floor this week. We, along with a large group of powerful, passionate advocates, have been calling for Congress to take up this legislation for years, and it is finally going to happen. These bills -- the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) -- are both bipartisan and very popular. And they will make the internet healthier and safer for kids and teens. All senators should vote in favor of them. We have a monumental chance to make change happen and improve the digital world for kids. Please use the link below today to tell your senator to vote in favor of KOSA and COPPA 2.0. #PassKOSA #PassCOPPA https://p2a.co/HhOxzt2

Earlier today, Danny Weiss, our Chief Advocacy Officer, was at the White House reporting on a crucial youth online safety event where the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force recommendations aimed at enhancing online well-being for young people through tips for parents, industry guidelines, a research agenda, and steps for policymakers. We urge Congress to pass bipartisan legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act and updates to COPPA. Our 13+ years of trusted research have shown that digital media can expose kids and teens to significant harms — from harassment to cyberbullying — and can also lead them to unwanted content that exacerbates mental health challenges. While additional research is vital, we also advocate for legislative action, as evidenced by our successful efforts in New York, Maryland, and Colorado this year, pushing companies to change. Read Weiss' full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gZQfjWum #OnlineSecurity #COPPA #KidsOnlineSafetyAct

In the first half of 2024, our team was instrumental in getting six laws in three different states signed into law. While Congress has failed to act on federal legislation, each of these state bills is helping kids continue to access important online spaces with stronger privacy protections and companies that center their needs in how their platforms are designed. But our work isn't done. More bills in California are moving through the state legislature, and time is running out for Congress to take action on the Kids Online Safety Act this year. Read more about all our state legislative victories, and how you can help us continue the progress to make the internet safer for kids everywhere: https://lnkd.in/eq5rRvew

People have some strong opinions -- and some misconceptions -- about youth cell phone use. If you're in the Washington, DC area, join our head of research, Amanda Lenhart, as she shares insights from her work listening to youth about their experiences with phones, social media, and mental well-being. Friday, July 12, 2024 | 1-3 p.m. Natural History Museum, 2nd Floor, Cellphone Exhibition Hall Free and open to the public Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emAMR-Dm

Today marks a significant step forward in protecting our kids online. Two landmark bills in New York, led by our Common Sense advocacy team, were signed into law today, aimed at curbing addictive algorithms, incessant notifications, and personal data collection on social media platforms. We were honored to be present at the signing of the SAFE for Kids Act and the New York Child Data Privacy Act today in New York City alongside Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, State Senator Andrew S. Gounardes, and State Assemblymember Nily Rozic. "Like David and Goliath, we stood up to powerful social media companies and their lobbyists, lawyers and money… and guess what?… We won!" said our New York Council Member, Lauren Salem, in her remarks at the podium. "Now, we need to make kids across America a top priority, no matter where they live." At Common Sense Media, we will continue to support legislation at the state and federal level to create a safer and more secure internet for future generations. Learn more about today's signing:  https://lnkd.in/gc3_TYya

We've got more new research out today, in partnership with Hopelab! Many young people struggle to find in-person care, support, and practical information for their behavioral health challenges. But options for supporting mental health via digital technologies are growing in availability and accessibility. This report went right to teens and young people (ages 14-22) to find out how they're embracing online mental health tools — from social media to therapy to mental health apps – as valuable resources for seeking support and managing their own mental health and well-being. We learned that many young people are looking up mental health information online, taking advantage of online therapy options, and using mental health support apps and platforms. And social media has proven to be an important jumping off point for further exploration of issues and concerns. But young people aren't just self-diagnosing -- they're vetting what they find online with trusted sources. But the quality of the support and therapy that apps and online mental health services provide aren't always up to par, and given how important these services are for reducing barriers to mental health support, there's more work to be done. Check out the full report at https://lnkd.in/ea98GZvN. #GettingHelpOnline

On the final day of Common Sense Giving Week, we want to thank our partners, supporters, and extended network for joining us on our mission. Right now, there's more concern than ever about how growing up with technology has impacted this generation of kids. From the youth mental health crisis to classroom distractions and ChatGPT, everyone is worried that today's kids are facing an overwhelming, uphill battle. We know that it can feel overwhelming to guide kids through the increasing complexity of digital spaces. But that's why Common Sense exists! We make sure every family has access to resources that are fun, safe, and educational so every kid can thrive and have a healthy childhood. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity and support of others to help us continue to meet the moment. We hope you consider joining us to enact positive, thoughtful change for today's kids, and generations to come: https://lnkd.in/e4JyNZwN #CSGivingWeek

Right now, schools across the country are gearing up for (or in some cases, have already started!) summer break. Educators will no doubt take some well-deserved time off, but summer is often the time where the planning for the school year ahead begins. Educators are having to navigate an increasingly complex digital world, grappling with issues like the role of AI in the classroom and the impact of social media on their students' mental health and well-being. We know that educators have a lot on their plates, so we're dedicated to developing resources to address some of their biggest challenges in the tech space, like AI literacy and digital well-being lessons. But we can't do this without your help. When you give a gift today during Common Sense Giving Week, we're able to provide invaluable resources to educators around the world. #CSGivingWeek https://lnkd.in/e4JyNZwN

Right now, there's unprecedented momentum to hold Big Tech accountable for its impact on kids' well-being, and Common Sense has been leading this effort from the start. Just this year, we actively supported six bills in three states that have already been signed into law, including last week when our advocacy team secured passage in New York State of the Child Data Protection Act and the SAFE for Kids Act, which is the first legislation passed in the country to limit addictive social media feeds for kids and teens. We fought Big Tech—and we won! By supporting this work during Common Sense Giving Week, you're joining a successful movement that's dedicated to protecting kids' safety, privacy, and mental health online. Make your gift today! https://lnkd.in/e4JyNZwN