PTC Supports “Kids Online Safety Act” and “Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act”

Written by PTC | Published July 27, 2022

LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2022) – The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) called on Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (S 3663) and Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (S 1628). The Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled to mark up these bills today.

“If you were to overlay a chart that tracks teen social media use with a chart that tracks teen anxiety, depression and suicide, you would see lines that practically overlap. Even before the COVID lockdowns, children and adolescents in America were already experiencing a mental health crisis unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. But social isolation coupled with a spike in social media consumption has created a ticking time-bomb for America’s youth. Thankfully the Congress is bringing bipartisan, bicameral support for meaningful protective measures,” said PTC President Tim Winter.

“The Kids Online Safety Act will hold social media companies accountable and establish a duty of care for protecting children online. The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act expands privacy protections to teens and for children under age 13.

“We support both bipartisan bills and urge Congress to pass them swiftly. The youngest generations must not be the guinea pigs for technology’s harmful impact.”

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