Michigan Parents and Legislators Advocate for ‘Kids Over Clicks’ Legislation
A group of Michigan parents and legislators are urging the state House to prioritize a set of bills known as “Kids Over Clicks” aimed at safeguarding children from harmful social media practices and AI chatbots. While the bills were approved by the state Senate in April, they have yet to be voted on in the state House.
‘She had an entire life ahead of her’
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit social media platforms from displaying “addictive” content to minors and restrict the use of AI chatbots targeting underage users. Parents who have experienced the negative impact of social media addiction on their children have voiced their support for the bills.
One parent, Charay Gadd, shared the tragic story of her daughter London, who took her own life in 2024. Gadd emphasized the need for regulations, stating, “Our family did everything parents are told to do… and it still wasn’t enough.” She discovered that innocent searches led her daughter to harmful content related to self-harm and suicide.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently settled with 47 states over allegations of harming children through their platforms. As part of the settlement, Meta agreed to adjust its content presentation for young users and provide financial compensation, with Michigan set to receive at least $171 million.
Despite the settlement, Democratic Senator Dayna Polehanki stressed the necessity of the proposed bills, citing the need to shield children from harmful content on various platforms beyond Meta’s products.
What’s next with ‘Kids Over Clicks’ bills
The package of bills includes SB 757, 758, 759, and 760. If passed, the legislation is likely to face legal challenges, as industry group NetChoice has opposed similar laws in other states, arguing that content restrictions for minors infringe on the First Amendment.
Notably, a recent ruling in Georgia lifted an injunction against a law similar to the Kids Over Clicks bills, indicating the ongoing legal battles surrounding such regulations. NetChoice has vowed to continue its opposition to these laws.
