Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Online Safety for Children

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL), along with Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL), introduced the Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers parents, educators, and communities with the tools and information they need to keep children safe online. 

As technology rapidly evolves, so do the risks young people face in the digital world—including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, privacy violations, and identity theft. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have introduced even more complex challenges like deepfakes and AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). With 95% of teens now using social media and spending an average of 3.5 hours online each day, the need for updated, accessible online safety resources has become more urgent than ever.

“Families deserve to know that their children are protected in an increasingly complex digital environment. My legislation will help ensure parents, teachers, and community leaders have the tools they need to navigate online risks and promote safe, healthy internet use for the next generation,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and our approach to online safety must evolve with it.”

“I’m proud to work across the aisle with my fellow Floridian to ensure we protect our children's safety online. This initiative will help us educate families on best practices to promote the safe use of the internet by minors,” said Rep. Darren Soto. “As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to review common-sense reforms that will help make the internet safer for everyone.”

The Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch a nationwide public awareness and education campaign that will equip families, educators, and stakeholders with the latest best practices for protecting minors online. The FTC would also be required to submit an annual report to Congress on its implementation progress.

Specifically, the bill requires the campaign to include: 

• Identifying and promoting best practices for protecting minors online.
• Implementing a national outreach and education effort focused on online safety.
• Facilitating access to information on both the benefits and harms of digital and social media use among minors.
• Elevating online safety education and public awareness initiatives led by state and local governments, schools, nonprofits, and industry partners.