CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston said recent efforts to strengthen safeguards for young people on social media represent a necessary first step in online safety, while stressing that much more must be done to protect children from the risks they face online.
“Any meaningful effort to better protect children online is a step in the right direction, but it is only a starting point,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Social media companies have spent years building platforms designed to keep young people engaged. They have a responsibility to ensure those same platforms are not putting children’s safety and well-being at risk.”
Preston has led efforts in Illinois to strengthen protections for young people online, serving as the Senate sponsor of the Children’s Online Safety Act – also known as House Bill 5511, which passed this year. The law establishes stronger safeguards for minors who use social media platforms and ensures technology companies take greater responsibility for how their products affect children.
Preston said the issue of internet safety requires cooperation among lawmakers, parents, advocates and technology companies, while recognizing that the responsibility for keeping children safe cannot fall solely on families.
“Parents are doing everything they can to help their children navigate an online world that changes by the day,” Preston said. “They deserve to know that the companies behind these platforms are doing their part as well. I will continue fighting for meaningful protections that put the safety of our children ahead of clicks, engagement and corporate profits.”
Preston also thanked Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his office for their continued efforts to address the risks social media platforms pose to young people.
“I want to thank Attorney General Raoul and his office for joining this fight and standing up for the safety of Illinois children,” Preston said. “Protecting young people from the dangers of social media will take all of us working together, and I welcome their partnership as we continue pushing for stronger protections and greater accountability.”
Preston will continue to fight for legislation to enhance social media safeguards.
