LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 17, 2025) — Today, Sens. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) introduced a comprehensive bill package to better protect Michigan kids from the well-documented dangers of increasing social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage. Senate Bills 757–760 would implement stronger safety measures that prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors.
“For years, we have seen tech giants engage in pure, profit-driven practices without any regard for the well-being of their users, no matter their age,” said Sen. Camilleri. “Their goal is simple: to keep people, including our kids, addicted to endless scrolling and content consumption, even when it threatens their mental health, development, or safety. As long as they can monetize that harm, they will keep doing it. And since Big Tech won’t provide the necessary guardrails needed to protect our kids, we’re stepping up and holding them accountable.”
“Time stopped the day I lost my daughter London Izabella-Ryén Gadd — a kind, sensitive twelve-year-old with big dreams, who wanted to enroll in the Air Force and become a commercial pilot. Social media did not protect her; it exposed her to harms no child should ever face. I am still stuck in that moment,” said Charay Gadd, London’s mom from Ovid. “No parent should have to beg a corporation to understand how their child was harmed. Michigan must protect our children — they are our future.”
As we continue rapidly accelerating further into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the adverse consequences. While Big Tech employs exploitive algorithms that undermine data privacy and prey on vulnerable users, American kids are in turn facing unprecedented levels of mental health struggles, social media addiction, exposure to explicit content, an alarming decline of social skills, among a slew of other harmful repercussions.
“As the father of two young boys, one of the biggest concerns I have is how I can keep my kids safe in an increasingly digital world where Big Tech companies seem to do everything in their power to prioritize profit over their well-being,” said Sen. Hertel. “I’ve seen firsthand that existing parental controls are simply not equipped to protect kids from a constant stream of advertisements and inappropriate content. And as study after study shows the real harm that unregulated screen time and social media access can cause, it’s clear we must give parents every tool possible to stand up to Big Tech’s exploitative practices and keep their children safe.”
“If Big Tech CEOs refuse to take responsibility for their products that endanger kids, then our elected leaders must make them, the same way we require automakers to install seatbelts and chemical companies to put child-proof caps on pesticides,” said Macomb County parent Christy King. “Cyber bullies and online predators endanger all families, regardless of politics, and that’s why we call on legislators from both parties to pass tough new laws without delay.”
Crafted in tandem with industry experts, advocates, and parents, this bill package aims to hold Big Tech companies accountable for unethical practices, empower Michigan parents with more control and transparency, and address emerging risks associated with AI and social media use. More specifically:
-
The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act (Senate Bill 757) would prohibit social media platforms from providing addictive, personal data-driven feeds to minors unless parental consent is given;
-
The Kids Code Act (Senate Bills 758–759) would mandate stricter data privacy and safety settings for minors on digital platforms while also giving parents more control over their children’s online accounts; and
-
The Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act (Senate Bill 760) would ensure that dangerous AI companion chatbots are inaccessible to children, including those that have the capability to encourage self-harming behaviors, illegal activities, sexually explicit interactions, etc.
“As our online mediascape evolves, it is necessary to evaluate and strengthen regulations accordingly to shield children from exploitation,” said Sen. Chang. “AI technology and social media platforms tailor their algorithms through data collection, keeping vulnerable users occupied and addicted. Minors are most susceptible to these coercive tactics and should be safeguarded from Big Tech companies who prey on their data, safety, and quality of life.”
“As lawmakers, it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to keep our youth out of harm’s way — but if Michigan kids are allowed unfettered access to unsafe AI chatbots that have quite literally encouraged minors to end their own lives, there is certainly more we can be doing to keep kids safe online,” said Sen. Polehanki. “My bill would establish commonsense safety standards to ensure that Big Tech keeps dangerous AI companion chatbots out of the hands of Michigan kids, making good on our promise to give them the best shot at healthy, successful futures.”
“The digital ecosystem has grown fast and broken things without considering the unique needs of children and teens,” said Dr. Jenny Radesky, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, whose work focuses on how digital media impacts children and families. “It doesn’t need to be this way. Legislation is needed to make digital products safer and ensure that they are designed in ways that don’t maximize engagement at the expense of youth wellbeing.”
Senate Bills 757-760 have been referred to the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee where they await further review.