LANSING, Mich. – Many parents say it can feel impossible to monitor their children’s online activity around the clock.
But with kids spending hours on phones, apps and social platforms, Michigan lawmakers and child online-safety advocates say new guardrails are needed — and they’re proposing legislation they believe would make it easier for families to turn on privacy protections.
A group of Michigan state senators, along with parents and social media safety advocates, is backing a package of bills aimed at limiting what they say are data-hungry and potentially addictive features on platforms popular with minors.
Parents described the challenge as a constant balancing act, whether to cut off technology entirely or try to manage access.
“I think parents every day are battling with this idea of completely taking away the technology or allowing the access,” State Sen. Kevin Hertel said.
Advocates argue that the problem is magnified by business models that reward attention.
“TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and other platforms all make their money from clicks,” said parent Jennifer Tukscal. “And right now, our kids are giving them those clicks.”
The legislation is titled the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, according to supporters.
Organizers say the bills would:
- Restrict “addictive,” data-driven feeds for minors unless parental consent is provided.
- Increase parental tools and controls designed to help families manage children’s privacy and safety online.
- Block access to certain AI companion chatbots described by backers as dangerous for children.
State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Downriver) is among the bill’s authors.
“By the time an American kid reaches the age of 13, online advertising firms have already collected an average of 72 million data points on that child,” Camilleri said.
Supporters of the package say it would also make some AI companion chatbots inaccessible to Michigan children, citing concerns about inappropriate interactions.
“I have a feeling a lot of parents just don’t know that there are even AI chatbots out there that are seeking to have inappropriate relationships with their kids,” State Sen. Dayna Polehanki said.
The senators backing the bills argue that other states and countries already require large technology companies to build settings around “privacy first” and “safety by design.” They say Michigan should take similar steps.
“We can hold Big Tech accountable for the harm that they’re inflicting and ensure our kids are better protected from those online threats,” Camilleri said.
Lawmakers supporting the SAFE for Kids Act say they are optimistic the legislation could advance in Michigan, and they believe they can work with members of the State House of Representatives to move the proposals forward.