Teenagers demand safeguards for Big Tech
One Man’s Mission to Hold Big Tech Accountable for Youth’s Online Safety
Parents and lawmakers have become increasingly vocal about the detrimental impact of technology on the mental health of American youth. From the negative effects of Instagram on self-image to the addictive nature of TikTok and the abusive behavior of adults on social media, technology has become a pressing concern for many.
Jason Frost, the founder of the teenager-focused nonprofit organization Wired Human, has emerged as a prominent advocate for change. He is harnessing the voices of middle and high school students to push for bipartisan action from Congress in addressing the challenges faced by today’s youth due to technology.
“We have an opportunity to heal the divide in the U.S. by prioritizing the well-being of our children,” Frost, 35, passionately expressed to the Washington Examiner.
Wired Human is dedicated to “preserving the innocence of childhood” by providing training, tools, and political advocacy to teach teenagers about digital responsibility.
A Coalition of Youth Making Their Voices Heard
Frost has assembled a “youth coalition” to present their concerns to lawmakers. This group of twelve young adults recently visited several congressional offices to advocate for the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the EARN IT Act.
KOSA, introduced by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), aims to hold platforms accountable for preventing harm to minors, such as promoting suicide, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and drug or alcohol use. It also requires social media companies to implement user controls, including limiting screen time and access to user profiles, with the strictest settings for users under 16.
The conversations surrounding KOSA have been “incredible,” according to Frost. The youth coalition, consisting of students from various states, including Virginia, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, and Washington, D.C., met with Blackburn and Blumenthal to emphasize the importance of the legislation. They also engaged with other offices to garner support from senators, although specific details were not disclosed.
The EARN IT Act seeks to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects websites from being sued for user-generated content. This amendment would remove these protections if platforms violate federal and state laws related to child sexual abuse material. Despite facing opposition from privacy advocates who argue it could compromise encryption and free speech, Frost believes privacy threats are not a concern when targeting online child sexual abuse images.
Frost asserts that the tech industry often uses concerns about speech and privacy as an excuse to evade accountability.
A Journey Driven by Personal Experience
Frost’s dedication to this cause stems from his extensive experience working with teenagers in religious ministry and international language training, alongside his wife, Lisa. It was in 2017 when he became aware of kids being lured into dangerous situations and adults exploiting social media platforms for their own gain. This realization prompted the couple to write a book, “The Glass Between Us,” in 2020, offering a value-based approach to managing social media within families. This led to the establishment of Wired Human, which focuses on providing educational tools and training to teenagers and parents, helping them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Wired Human has also engaged in closed-door meetings with employees from major tech companies, urging them to take proactive measures to address the challenges faced by teenagers today. However, Frost chose not to disclose the specific companies involved.
Frost’s ultimate goal is to empower children to become leaders who can make informed choices about technology.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
How is Wired Human educating parents, educators, and policymakers about the potential dangers of technology and advocating for responsible digital behavior
Er lawmakers, sharing their personal experiences and discussing the urgent need for stronger regulations to protect young people online.
Additionally, the youth coalition voiced their support for the EARN IT Act, which aims to hold online platforms accountable for facilitating child sexual exploitation. The act would require platforms to earn liability protections by adhering to best practices for removing illegal content and reporting it to law enforcement. By advocating for both KOSA and the EARN IT Act, the youth coalition is demanding comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals in the digital realm.
Challenges and Resistance in the Advocacy Journey
Despite the noble cause, the advocacy journey has not been without its challenges. Big tech companies and their lobbyists have been resistant to stricter regulations, arguing that they already have measures in place to safeguard young users.
Frost acknowledges the complexity of the issue, stating, “We understand the importance of innovation and providing a safe space for teenagers to express themselves, but it can’t come at the cost of their well-being.” He emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, with input from all stakeholders, to strike the right balance between technological advancement and ensuring the online safety of youth.
Another obstacle faced by the advocacy efforts is the vast amount of misinformation about the potential dangers of technology. Frost and his coalition are actively working to educate parents, educators, and policymakers about the harmful effects of excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and online predators. By raising awareness and providing evidence-based information, they aim to debunk misconceptions and create a more informed dialogue around the issue.
The Road Ahead and the Impact of Advocacy
Despite the challenges, Frost’s advocacy efforts are making meaningful progress. The youth coalition’s meetings with lawmakers have garnered promising support for KOSA and the EARN IT Act. Members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, have expressed their concern for the well-being of young individuals and their commitment to addressing the issues raised by Wired Human and its coalition.
Moreover, the coalition’s advocacy work is not limited to Capitol Hill. They are actively engaging with schools, parents’ associations, and local communities, holding workshops and educational sessions to empower young individuals and educate them about responsible digital behavior. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to navigate the online world safely, Wired Human hopes to create a generation that is resilient to the negative impacts of technology.
A Call to Action
As technology continues to evolve and shape the lives of young individuals, it is crucial that we prioritize their well-being and safety. Jason Frost and his organization, Wired Human, are leading the charge in advocating for stronger regulations and accountability from big tech companies to protect today’s youth. Their efforts are not in vain, as they are making a tangible impact and raising awareness about the potential dangers of technology.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must join this mission and work together to ensure a safe and nurturing online environment for our children. By supporting legislation like KOSA and the EARN IT Act and actively engaging in open dialogues about online safety, we can hold big tech accountable and pave the way for a healthier and more secure digital future for our youth.
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