A recent poll shows overwhelming support for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
Released last week by Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media, ParentsSOS, and Fairplay, the poll reveals that 86 percent of U.S. voters back the bill. Support spans political lines, with 87 percent of Republicans, 88 percent of Democrats, and 82 percent of independents in favor.
Additionally, 76 percent of Republican voters said they would be more inclined to support a congressional candidate who endorses the legislation.
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The survey also highlights widespread concerns about the negative impact of Big Tech on children. Ninety percent of voters believe it’s important to address the harms caused by social media, and 88 percent think the government should pass laws to ensure safety measures are in place.
Nearly all voters (93 percent) agree that youth mental health challenges are a serious issue, and 67 percent feel that social media has worsened the mental health of children and teens compared to 15 years ago.
Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s significance, noting, “The Kids Online Safety Act provides parents and young people the tools they need to protect themselves from the life-changing harm caused by Big Tech. With a 91-3 vote in the Senate, the overwhelming bipartisan support shows that now is the time to hold Big Tech accountable for prioritizing profits over safety. We will continue our efforts to make social media safer for children.”
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The Kids Online Safety Act aims to give parents and children greater online protections, hold tech companies responsible for harm to kids, and ensure transparency in social media algorithms. The bill passed the Senate in July with strong bipartisan support.
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