Deb Schmill has been consistently making trips to Capitol Hill to advocate for children’s online safety. She shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Becca, who tragically passed away at the age of 18 after purchasing fentanyl-laced drugs on Facebook. Prior to that, Becca had experienced online exploitation and cyberbullying on Snapchat. Determined to prevent similar incidents from happening to other children, Ms. Schmill, along with other grieving parents, is pushing for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
The KOSA aims to compel social media platforms, gaming apps, and messaging services to implement restrictions on features that could exacerbate issues like depression, bullying, and sexual exploitation. Additionally, the bill would mandate the activation of the highest privacy and safety settings by default for users under 17, allowing young individuals to opt out of features that may contribute to addictive behavior.
Inspired by the impactful advocacy of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a group of approximately 20 parents have united under the banner of ParentsSOS. Similar to MADD members, these parents carry images of their children who tragically lost their lives due to online dangers, sharing their personal stories with lawmakers to emphasize the urgent need for protective legislation.
The ParentsSOS group is determined to raise awareness and garner support for the Kids Online Safety Act by leveraging their personal experiences and advocating for the well-being of all children in the digital age. Their efforts mirror the successful advocacy strategies employed by MADD in the past, highlighting the power of personal narratives in driving legislative change and protecting vulnerable populations.
As the momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act continues to grow, these dedicated parents remain committed to honoring the memories of their children by advocating for stricter regulations and safeguards in the online realm. Their unwavering determination serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing child safety and well-being in an increasingly digital world.