Kids Online Safety Act

From schoolwork to socializing, today’s kids are growing up in a digital world. Online platforms have become more complex and harder to monitor. As a result, concerns about screen time, harmful content, and data privacy have led to a push for stronger protections. One proposed solution is the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill that aims to make the internet a safer place for children and teens.

Here’s what families need to know

What Is the Kids Online Safety Act?

The Kids Online Safety Act is a bipartisan bill first introduced in the U.S. Senate in 2022. It was created in response to growing evidence that social media platforms and digital services can negatively affect children’s mental health. In addition, social media platforms and digital services can expose them to dangerous content. Another concern is the collection of data without clear consent.

The bill’s primary goal is to hold tech companies more accountable for the way their platforms impact young users. It applies to social media apps, video-sharing platforms, gaming services, and any other digital platforms that are likely to be used by minors.

What the Bill Would Actually Do

If passed, the Kids Online Safety Act would introduce several new requirements designed to give families more control over digital experiences.

1. Safer Settings by Default. Platforms would need to automatically turn on the most protective privacy and safety settings for users under 18.
2. Tools for Parents and Guardians. The bill would require platforms to give families more control over content filters, screen time limits, and the ability to monitor activity.
3. Content Algorithm Transparency. Tech companies would have to share how their algorithms work, especially if they target content at minors, and allow parents to opt out of algorithm-based recommendations.
4. Mental Health Impact Assessments. Large platforms would need to evaluate and publicly report how their products affect the mental health and well-being of young users.
5. A Duty of Care. Perhaps most significantly, the bill would require platforms to take “reasonable measures” to prevent and mitigate the risk of harm to minors, including exposure to content related to eating disorders, self-harm, and exploitation.

What This Could Mean for Families

If enacted, the Kids Online Safety Act could shift some of the responsibility for digital safety back to the companies that design and run these platforms. For parents, this might mean:

• greater control over how kids use apps and websites
• more transparency from companies about how content is curated and delivered
• better protection from exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content

At the same time, critics of the bill have raised concerns. Some worry it could encourage overreach or lead to censorship. Others point out that enforcement will depend on how the law is interpreted and applied in practice.

Still, the bill represents a significant step toward acknowledging that young people need stronger safeguards in the digital spaces they use every day.

What Parents Can Do Now

Whether or not the Kids Online Safety Act becomes law, there are still meaningful ways families can promote safer online habits at home:

• Check the parental control settings on your child’s devices and favorite apps. Many platforms offer tools for managing screen time and content access, though they’re not always turned on by default.
• Have regular conversations about what your child is doing online. Ask what they enjoy, what makes them uncomfortable, and how they respond to things they weren’t expecting to see.
• Build in screen-free routines, like keeping devices away from the dinner table or setting aside time in the evening to unplug together.
• Look into digital tools that support balance and safety. Qustodio Parental Control & Digital Wellbeing Software is one example of a program some families use to help manage screen time and monitor device activity.

Creating a more open and supportive digital environment starts with intentional choices at home. These changes can give kids the structure they need to safely navigate online spaces with confidence.

More Ways to Stay Informed

Are you looking for additional support with technology and parenting? Visit our Family Health section for articles on routines, relationships, and child well-being, and explore our Safety section for tools and information to help protect your kids in today’s digital world. Subscribe to our newsletter for curated content and product spotlights delivered to your inbox, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily ideas and inspiration.

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