Memphis Standard

A recent poll indicates significant public support for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The survey, conducted by Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media, ParentsSOS, and Fairplay, reveals that 86 percent of U.S. voters favor the act. Support spans across political affiliations with 87 percent of Republicans, 88 percent of Democrats, and 82 percent of independents endorsing the legislation. Additionally, 76 percent of Republican voters are more inclined to vote for congressional candidates who back the bill.

The poll highlights widespread concern about Big Tech's impact on children. Ninety percent of respondents believe it is crucial to address social media-related harms, while nearly 88 percent support governmental action to establish safeguards. A significant majority (93 percent) acknowledges that mental health issues among young people are a serious problem, with 67 percent attributing a worsening trend over the past 15 years to social media.

Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal emphasized the necessity of the legislation in their joint statement: “The Kids Online Safety Act provides parents and young people the tools they need to protect themselves against Big Tech causing life-changing harm; 91 to 3—that is the margin by which we passed the legislation in the Senate. The overwhelming bipartisan support from our colleagues and the American public demonstrates that the time is now to hold Big Tech accountable for putting profits over safety, and we will continue in this fight to make social media a safer place for our nation’s children.”

More details about the poll can be accessed here.

The Kids Online Safety Act aims to equip children and parents with enhanced online protection tools, ensure accountability for Big Tech regarding harms inflicted on kids, and increase transparency around algorithms used by these platforms. The bill secured an overwhelming Senate approval in July with a vote count of 91-3.