LANSING, Mich. (March 24, 2026) — Today, the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee passed Senate Bills (SBs) 757–760, Senate Democrats’ Kids Over Clicks package that aims to improve internet safety and safeguard Michigan children from rampant digital dangers, from addiction to exploitation. Crafted in tandem with industry experts and advocates, this legislation would help combat emerging risks associated with unfettered social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage among Michigan kids.
“As we see an alarming rising rate of teen suicide, depression, anxiety, and more, we cannot sit back and do nothing. We must step up and address the root cause of Big Tech’s exploitative and addictive algorithms that trap kids in an endless cycle of harmful content,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). “Our Kids Over Clicks package will do just that by requiring these tech companies to design a better feed experience for its youngest, most vulnerable users.”
Championed by Sens. Camilleri, Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), Kids Over Clicks would hold Big Tech companies accountable for unethical practices that prey on vulnerable users in the name of profit. More specifically:
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SB 757 (Camilleri), the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act, would prohibit social media platforms from providing addictive, personal data-driven feeds to minors unless parental consent is given;
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SBs 758 (Hertel) and 759 (Chang), the Kids Code Act, 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
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SB 760 (Polehanki), the Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act, 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 a parent, I’m focused on giving my kids a childhood where they can play outside, run around with friends, and enjoy just being a kid,” said Sen. Hertel. “But as social media becomes more and more present in our lives, and as Big Tech chooses to push unethical, predatory practices — that goal is becoming difficult to achieve. That’s why our Kids Over Clicks package is so important. This legislation will equip parents with the power and tools they need to keep their kids safe online and protect their childhoods.”
“Parents and advocates from all over the state have banded together and used their voices to demand better protections for our kids online — and Senate Democrats have heeded the call,” said Sen. Polehanki, a former educator. “Today’s committee passage of our Kids Over Clicks legislation illustrates our continued commitment to a better Michigan for everyone — because when we invest in the safety and well-being of our kids, we’re investing in the very future of our state.”
These bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.