In a renewed push to regulate the digital landscape for children, U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) with updated provisions to protect minors from harmful online experiences. The bill, originally introduced in 2022, gained Senate approval but failed to pass in the House of Representatives. Now, with updated language and broader support, senators are making another attempt to push it into law.
The revised version of KOSA is being reintroduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn), who say the bill now includes stronger protections and clearer definitions to address concerns raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups. Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, called the move “a signal of continued momentum toward meaningful digital regulation to protect children.”
Under the bill, online platforms that serve minors would be required to adopt design standards that prioritize children’s safety and privacy. The platforms would need to enable the most secure privacy settings by default for users under 18. The responsibility for these changes falls solely on tech companies, not schools, meaning K–12 institutions are unlikely to see direct regulatory impact if the legislation passes.
However, the implications of KOSA could be felt indirectly within school communities. As digital platforms evolve to comply with the bill’s requirements, educators may see changes in how students engage with social media, games, and other digital content. Schools may also be called on to help parents understand the new protections and encourage safe digital behaviors among students.
The updated version of KOSA also includes specific provisions designed to curb addictive design features commonly used by platforms to retain users’ attention. These include measures to limit features like infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, push notifications, and in-game microtransactions—all of which are known to contribute to excessive screen time and compulsive usage patterns among youth.
One of the most significant improvements in the new bill is the explicit clarification that it does not give the government power to censor online content. This addition was made in response to criticism that the original bill could inadvertently restrict access to important information, especially for marginalized groups. According to The Verge, several organizations that had opposed the original bill have since withdrawn their objections due to these updates.
KOSA’s reintroduction comes at a time of growing national concern about children’s mental health, online harassment, and exposure to harmful content. Policymakers are increasingly focused on reining in the influence of tech giants and demanding greater accountability in how they design and manage their platforms.
For now, school leaders and educators can view KOSA as a potential ally in their efforts to promote safer digital spaces. While the bill won’t require changes to curriculum or operations, it aligns with broader educational goals around digital citizenship, student safety, and family engagement. As the legislation moves through Congress, schools may choose to play a supportive role—educating parents and students about what these new protections mean and encouraging responsible technology use both at school and home.
The success of KOSA will depend on its ability to navigate the legislative process and overcome remaining skepticism. But its reappearance on the national stage reflects a growing consensus: that tech companies must do more to protect the well-being of young users, and that the time for stronger digital safety standards is now.
