Common Sense Media

Today, Elizabeth Foley, Senior Director of Advocacy Campaigns with Common Sense Media, stood alongside Andrew S. Gounardes and Nily Rozic to urge NY lawmakers to pass the Stop Online Predators Act (SOPA). Kids are spending more time than ever on social media and gaming platforms with private chat features that make it easy for strangers to reach them. Platforms like Roblox have become hunting grounds for predators — with 13,000 reports of child exploitation in 2023 alone, more than 35 every single day! Kids deserve freedom from online exploitation, and parents deserve peace of mind. That’s why this legislation matters. It would block strangers from messaging minors and strengthen privacy and safety settings for young people. New York can keep leading on kids’ online safety by setting clear guardrails for these platforms. Thank you to Andrew S. Gounardes and Nily Rozic for your leadership — and to the families and advocates like Julie Scelo and Muna Heaven pushing for change. It’s time to protect New York kids online. Support SOPA.

Today, Common Sense Media and OpenAI announced their support for the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act, the most comprehensive youth AI safety effort in the nation. Authored by Common Sense Media, the measure would require AI companies to use age assurance technology to protect children, give parents control over their children's AI use, and hold companies accountable through independent safety audits and enforcement by the California Attorney General. The Parents & Kids Safe AI Act calls for the following measures: ⚫ Require age assurance to distinguish kids from adults and ensure that child-protective settings are in place for users under 18; ⚫ Prohibit child-targeted advertising and the sale or sharing of kids' and teens' data without parental consent; ⚫ Require safeguards to prevent AI from generating sexually explicit material and material promoting suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and violence; ⚫ Prevent AI systems from manipulating kids by creating emotional dependence, simulating romantic relationships, or making child users think they're talking to a human; ⚫ Require AI systems to provide easy-to-use parental controls so parents can monitor and limit their kids' AI use and receive parental alerts if their kids show signs of self-harm; ⚫ Require AI systems to undergo independent audits to identify child safety risks and report them to the California attorney general;  ⚫ Require AI companies to conduct annual risk assessments to identify and document new and existing child safety risks, including the likelihood of severe harm; and ⚫ Hold AI companies accountable for protecting children by giving California's attorney general the power to investigate violations and impose financial penalties. This measure consolidates two competing ballot initiatives into a single strong proposal to protect kids and families from the proven, well-documented risks that AI chatbots pose. We will pursue every avenue, from the legislature to the ballot, to ensure the safety of children and their families. https://lnkd.in/gkPPsKFZ

We applaud Governor Gavin Newsom and his State of the State address today for underscoring the urgent need for stronger protections for children and teens in online spaces. Read my full statement below. Common Sense Media https://lnkd.in/g7FVrU8k

In an always online world, the 24/7 breaking news cycle constantly exposes our children to shocking and potentially disturbing imagery. As much as we wish we could shelter our kids from the worst of the world, bad news has a way of reaching them. What’s important is how you as a teacher, parent or caregiver can show up and help them process their emotions and the information they are being exposed to. Read our guidance on how to address news and current events for different age groups and equip yourself with the tools you need to support your children and students. https://lnkd.in/g3bakDp7

As families return to their regular routines following the holiday break, it can be difficult to reset established boundaries around technology use and screen time. In the first episode of the new season of Conversations with Common Sense Media, Chief Content Officer Jill Murphy sits down with Kristin Lewis , Chief Product Officer at Aura , to tackle the “holiday tech hangover” and discuss parental controls 101, including how families can re-establish healthy media balance and consumption in the new year. The conversation will also explore the growing role of AI in the daily lives of children and the wellbeing implications of an always-on world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation exploring practical tips and tools for families to start their new year off on a strong and balanced note.

My new podcast, Which Side of History, is now live. Look for new episodes all this month with Kara Swisher, Tom Friedman, Michael Lewis and others. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. https://lnkd.in/gT5rzbyt

My new podcast “Which Side of History?” premiered today!  Over the course of this season I will explore one of the most urgent questions of our time: Is American democracy resilient enough to withstand the threats we’re facing at home and abroad? Our children are living in unprecedented times and need leaders who are willing to speak on their behalf and lead us into a better tomorrow. Hear from some incredible luminaries who are doing the work and leading the conversation on these critical issues. Podcast link in the comments. Subscribe today wherever you get your podcasts.