The devastating effects of addictive feeds on children and teenagers are personal to me. These feeds, with their non-stop drip of dopamine-inducing media, have been linked to significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm among our youth. Research indicates that spending time on social media is ten times more dangerous than time spent online on non-social platforms.

For these reasons and more I am urging you to support the Stop Addictive Feed Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act proposed by Senator Andrew Gounardes. This bill aims to make technology safer for kids by making all timelines chronological for those under 18 years old unless there is parental consent. It also requires platforms to turn off notifications from 12 am to 6 am unless parental consent is given. Enforcement includes both state and private right of action at a rate of $5,000 per incident, providing incentive for Big Tech companies to follow through.

The SAFE for Kids Act strikes a balance between child safety and technological advancement. It's feasible, narrowly focused, and enforceable. The bill enables youth to maintain a robust online presence and access to all of the same content as everyone else but would prevent automated systems from pushing content at them—instead they'd have to dig to find that content. The bills strikes a remarkable and unique balance between eliminating algorithms from their timelines while still allowing algorithms that scan content for danger.

By supporting this bill we can help protect our children from the harmful effects of addictive feeds while still allowing them access to beneficial technology and content that enables them to participate in modern society. Please sign this petition in support of the SAFE for Kids Act today!