For Immediate Release
Press Contact: press@kidscodecoalition.org
Support High Across Party Lines for Kids Code Bill, Holding Big Tech Accountable
ALBUQUERQUE – A new survey conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the New Mexico Kids Code Coalition reveals striking consensus among the state’s voters about the importance of protecting kids online and holding Big Tech companies accountable through legislation like the New Mexico Kids Code.
“Protecting kids online is a high priority for New Mexican voters and parents, and it resonates strongly across party lines,” said New Mexico Kids Code Coalition advocate, parent and educator Erin Armijo. “We want our representatives to take parents’ concerns about Big Tech’s harmful influence seriously and hold these companies accountable once and for all by passing the New Mexico Kids Code into law.”
The poll found that 85% of New Mexico voters believe that it’s important for the government to address the impact of Big Tech on young people. This concern transcends political divisions, with 82% of Republicans, 90% of Democrats, and 78% of Independents in agreement.
An overwhelming 82% of respondents support legislation like the New Mexico Kids Code to require social media platforms to provide tools and safeguards so that children and teens are better protected online. When told that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has prioritized the New Mexico Kids Code online safety bill for 2024’s 30-day session, 59% of voters said taking action was very important.
The Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the bill tomorrow, Jan. 30, featuring testimony from community advocates and sponsors Sen. George Muñoz and Rep. Pamelya Herndon.
The poll results also indicate that many New Mexicans believe Big Tech companies themselves bear significant responsibility for protecting kids online. A majority of Democrats as well as almost half of Republicans and Independents said they believe these companies should play a substantial role addressing safety concerns such as those raised by ongoing revelations in Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s lawsuit against Meta.
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