LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 21, 2026) — Today, Michigan Senate Democrats hosted a press conference to spread awareness on the well-documented dangers of unfettered social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage on our youth — and their legislation to address it. These commonsense safety standards would better protect our kids from data privacy concerns, rampant online targeting, and exploitation.
“Big Tech has deliberately designed its digital platforms to keep our kids scrolling nonstop, profiting off minors’ social media addiction and private online data. This puts our youth in real danger, and as a new parent myself, I’m committed to holding Big Tech accountable and ensuring our kids are better protected from these online threats,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). “My bill would safeguard Michigan kids from Big Tech’s unethical, profit-driven practices while also empowering parents with more control and transparency over their kids’ online activity.”
Known as the “Kids Over Clicks” package, Senate Bills 757–760 would hold Big Tech companies accountable for unethical practices that prey on vulnerable users, particularly our youth, all in the name of profit. These bills — crafted in tandem with industry experts, advocates, and parents — would address emerging risks associated with AI and social media usage while also empowering Michigan parents with more autonomy and transparency over their kids’ digital activity.
“At the end of the day, every parent wants the same thing: to know their kids are safe, happy, and healthy. But in today’s increasing digital world, Big Tech’s exploitative practices are making that harder than ever,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “As both a parent and a legislator, I refuse to raise my children in a world where Big Tech profits at their expense and the expense of their classmates. That’s why I introduced the Kids Code Act. This legislation would put parents back in the driver’s seat — giving them the power to protect their kids online, just as they do in the real world.”
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.
“It is our job, as both parents and lawmakers, to protect our kids from imminent danger,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “As social media and AI platforms continue to grow and advance, we must be proactive in regulating these exploitative and often dangerous online spaces that do not care about the well-being of its youngest users. We must ensure our kids are not taken advantage of for profit and empower parents with the agency to monitor the safety and privacy of their families.”
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.
“As a former high school teacher, I know firsthand just how much our kids are online and how much unfettered digital activity inhibits their ability to learn, socialize with one another, and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. And as a legislator, I’ve also seen how unregulated AI companion chatbots have inflicted real-life harm to kids across the nation,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “That’s why I’m proud to have championed Senate Bill 760, which is a commonsense safety guardrail that would better protect our youth from the emerging risks of dangerous AI chatbots, demonstrating our continued commitment to the safety and well-being of Michigan kids.”
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 I travel across Michigan and have conversations with parents on how our kids can stay safe while using social media, they overwhelmingly say they want Big Tech billionaires to stop exploiting our children for data points and profits,” said Alisha Meneely, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Unspam, a Michigan Kids Code Coalition partner. “Michigan families demand protections that hold Big Tech accountable, by reining in predatory practices that turn kids into social media addicts and expose them to all kinds of risks every time they get online. This legislation is about putting our children’s safety ahead of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s massive profits.
“Make no mistake: harassment, bullying, extortion, and other dangerous behaviors online are the result of algorithms that social media companies use to feed kids content every second of every day that keeps them hooked. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and other platforms all make their money from clicks — and right now, our kids are giving them those clicks,” said Jennifer Tuksal, a member of the Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools. “As parents and families, we urge the Michigan Legislature to pass Kids Over Clicks without delay and make Big Tech billionaires do what they can and should do but simply refuse to do because they’re more concerned about profits than our children’s safety.”
Senate Bills 757-760 have been referred to the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee, where they await further review.