The Maryland Kids Code has been signed into law and the Vermont General Assembly has unanimously passed the Vermont Kids Code!
The Kids Code Coalition brings together a wide cross-section of organizations from across the U.S. to secure passage of Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC) laws in states across the country.
Already enacted in the UK, spurring meaningful changes from Big Tech companies, and passed unanimously in California, Maryland, and Vermont, the AADC represents a proven framework for protecting kids online.
The AADC would require online products and services reasonably likely to be accessed by children and teens under 18 to be age appropriate and designed in kids’ best interests.
The AADC does not seek to moderate content online, rather it requires platforms to take simple, additional, measures to conceal the data and protect the privacy of kids online.
While Big Tech attempts to fight the AADC with infinite resources and lawsuits, legislators and civil society organizations are continuing to prioritize kids’ safety and wellbeing online.
“This bill, if introduced a year ago, could’ve been the stakeholder that shielded me from the abuses of social media misconduct that was beyond my control, and would’ve hampered the media’s allowance of bullying. I could’ve been able to smile one more minute instead of being left to wonder if life is even worth living.”
Young person from Maryland
“By supporting this legislation, Maryland will help set the standard for online child and teen safety, and set simple, greater privacy settings as the default, which is proven to be effective. Design Code regulations have already been approved in the UK and California; we ought to have the same safeguards.”
Young person from Maryland
“As a middle school teacher and librarian, I see and work with students who have been negatively impacted by online social media. Our school has seen a dramatic increase in the number of students who express feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts. They experience stress and anxiety and feel as though they just can’t measure up.”
Teacher from Minnesota
“I am a licensed chemical dependency counselor for adolescents. Social media has such a negative impact on how adolescents view themselves and their mental health in so many ways. I am of a younger generation that also grew up with social media, and it impacted me and so many of my friends in a very negative way. I have many friends that are in recovery or have a history of trying to end their life because of beauty and society standards.”
Substance Abuse Counselor from Minnesota
“My daughter almost died from and will always be affected by the eating disorder fueled by online content. Social media companies are aware of and profiting from pro AN websites and doing nothing. They are making billions from the suffering of our children. Please help, not one more child needs to fall victim.”
Mother from New Mexico
“As a member of the first generation to grow up in a fully digital first society, I know the benefits that the internet can have. It has allowed me to foster community, maintain relationships, and learn more about the things that I care about. However, I also know first hand the negative effects that the internet can have on kids and teens. Growing up, my mental health was greatly affected by the lack of protection and privacy that teens have in social media applications.”
