BLOOMINGTON, MN (June 23, 2026) – SAVE is encouraged by the actions taken by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to address the very real youth mental health and online safety crisis facing our nation. We commend House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for their leadership in advancing the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act, H.R. 7757). At a time when far too many young people are struggling with the impacts of social media, addictive platform design, online exploitation, and harmful digital content, congressional attention to these issues is both necessary and overdue.
We are especially encouraged by the bipartisan support this issue continues to receive in both the House and Senate. Protecting children online is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It is an American issue. Families across the country are demanding action, and lawmakers from both parties have demonstrated a willingness to come together in pursuit of meaningful solutions.
The House legislation reflects meaningful progress. At the same time, SAVE continues to believe the version of KOSA currently under consideration in the Senate more fully reflects the breadth and scope of action this moment requires. The challenges facing young people are complex, and meaningful solutions must address not only privacy and platform design, but also the mental health harms that have become increasingly evident in the digital environment.
We are grateful for the steadfast leadership of Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), whose continued partnership across the aisle has kept the Kids Online Safety Act moving forward. And we thank Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) for his commitment to markup KOSA and bring it to the Senate floor for a vote – a commitment we are counting on and ready to support.
SAVE urges both chambers to continue working together to advance the strongest possible version of KOSA for children and teens online. America’s children deserve nothing less.
Every day Congress delays action, more young people are exposed to online environments that research increasingly links to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. The youth mental health crisis demands urgency, courage, and action now.
KOSA. Mark it. Pass it. Sign it.
Erich Mische
CEO
SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
About SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Founded in 1989 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, SAVE is one of the nation’s leading suicide prevention organizations. SAVE’s programs include education, training, advocacy, lethal means safety, and survivor support. Learn more at save.org.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.