AAP Statement on House Passage of Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act

By: Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics

“The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds last night’s House passage of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act (H.R. 7757), which represents meaningful bipartisan progress toward keeping children and teens safe online. 

“Pediatricians see firsthand the impact of digital spaces that are not designed around children’s unique health and developmental needs. While today’s digital ecosystem can provide important opportunities for young people to learn, connect and grow, it is essential to put protections in place that prioritize their health, safety and well-being. 

“The KIDS Act would take needed steps forward to create a healthier digital experience for children online. The legislation incorporates key provisions and longstanding AAP priorities from the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy and Protection Act that would require strong design safeguards by default, create new tools to better support young people online, prohibit targeted advertising to all children and teens, and strengthen data privacy protections.

“Children deserve digital spaces where they can be supported and thrive. The AAP commends Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for their bipartisan leadership on this bill and now looks to the Senate to continue this momentum. We look forward to working with Congress to pass the strongest child online privacy and safety protections this year.”    

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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.