American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Senate Passage of Children’s Online Safety Bill

By: Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) applauds today’s overwhelming bipartisan passage of the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) in the U.S. Senate. This bill combines two longtime AAP priorities: the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). These policies will help ensure a healthier digital ecosystem for young people.

“Social media and the internet were not designed with kids in mind. For years, pediatricians across the country have spoken out about the urgent need to create healthier digital environments for children and adolescents. 

“By enacting simple, commonsense reforms, KOSPA would help do just that. Today’s decisive vote demonstrates there is strong bipartisan resolve for taking action to protect children and teens.

“The AAP thanks the senators who listened to their many pediatrician constituents who called, wrote, and visited in-person to advocate for this crucial bill which has been a top legislative priority for more than two years. Pediatricians will continue to push for this bill’s passage into law, and the AAP urges the House of Representatives to act quickly to achieve that goal without delay.”

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.