Parent Advocates Push for Kids Online Safety Legislation

Parent Advocates on Capitol Hill

Deb Schmill, a dedicated parent advocate, has been a prominent figure on Capitol Hill, making numerous trips from her home near Boston to meet with lawmakers. She passionately shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Becca, who tragically passed away at 18 after consuming fentanyl-laced drugs purchased on Facebook.

Efforts for Kids Online Safety Act

Deb Schmill, along with other parents like Todd and Mia Minor and Christine McComas, are lobbying for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This proposed legislation aims to enforce restrictions on social media, gaming, and messaging platforms to prevent issues like cyberbullying, depression, and sexual exploitation among young users.

Formation of ParentsSOS

Approximately 20 parents, inspired by the advocacy model of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have united to form ParentsSOS. They advocate for the KOSA by sharing personal stories of loss due to social media-related incidents, similar to how MADD campaigned for the federal law establishing a minimum drinking age of 21 in 1984.

• Deb Schmill’s daughter, Becca, lost her life to fentanyl-laced drugs bought on Facebook.
• The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to enhance online safety measures for young users.
• ParentsSOS, modeled after MADD, advocates for stricter regulations on social media platforms.