House should pass online safety bill for kids

Just weeks ago the Senate — with bipartisan support — overwhelmingly passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). It now is up to our House to pass this much needed legislation.

As a teacher for 30 years, I had a front-row seat in witnessing the dramatic impact of the smartphone on my students’ ability to stay focused. The captivating power of this device both surprised and alarmed me. When Gov. Kim Reynolds organized a conference back in 2013 entitled “Media’s Effect on Youth,” I jumped at the chance to learn more from a panel of experts.

Since then I have kept on top of the latest research — everything from black box algorithms to the more recent generative artificial intelligence. The potential for good is there, but also — thanks to years of research — we are now aware of the documented harm and potential for more harm.

Today the harms online for children make me fear for the mental health of my grandchildren. Tech’s prioritization of profit over duty of care must stop. The KOSA provides parents with better tools to protect their children online.

The U.S. Senate started a welcomed bipartisan movement. The EU have already enacted their Digital Services Act. Here in the United States we have waited and waited for legislative action. It is time for our U.S. lawmakers to protect our children by passing the Kids Online Safety Act this September. Please ask your member of Congress to vote yes to protect our kids.

Julie Brannaman

Lisbon