Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that provides education and advocacy to families to promote safe and smart media and technology use among children and teens. The organization conducts research, offers resources for parents and educators, and advocates for policies that protect children's privacy and ensure equitable access to technology.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

We combine original research with game-changing advocacy efforts to make the digital world work better for all kids. Our advocacy work highlights legislation related to technology and identifies solutions that protect consumer privacy, push for better connectivity for students and families, and hold tech companies accountable to ensure a healthy internet for all.

Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.

Common Sense Education supports K–12 schools with everything educators need to empower the next generation of digital citizens. Our innovative, award-winning Digital Citizenship Curriculum prepares students with lifelong habits and skills, supports teachers with training and recognition, and engages families and communities with helpful tips and tools. ​Schools everywhere rely on our free curriculum, expert advice, and edtech ratings to help kids thrive.

Our Stress-Free App for Finding The Best Kids’ Entertainment: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/appinstall

Attention New York parents, teachers, and caregivers!

This week, New York lawmakers will vote on groundbreaking legislation to ensure our kids have a safer experience online. 

The two bills up for a vote would protect our kids’ privacy and limit the use of addictive features like algorithmic social media feeds and notifications that keep them scrolling. 

If these bills pass, New York will be the first state in the country to limit harmful social media feeds for kids and teens.

If you haven't made your voice heard, now is the time! 

Big tech companies are counting on the fact that their lobbying power will stop any progress. But we know better. Momentum for keeping kids safe online is growing every day across the country. Lawmakers have been hearing that you, their constituents, want them to protect kids.

Tell your state legislators today to support the SAFE for Kids Act & the NY Child Data Protection Act. Let's get this done!

www.commonsense.org/ny

Today we released more new research-- this time focused on how teens and young people feel about generative AI.

The report, done in partnership with Hopelab and Center for Digital Thriving, shows that young people are only beginning to use gen AI tools. Approximately half (51%) of teens and young adults ages 14 to 22 say they have used generative AI tools at some point, but only 4% say they use them daily. 

And while they recognize how gen AI can improve things, they also have some concerns -- from misinformation and disinformation, to privacy issues and more. 

Young people are this technology's earliest adopters, and they'll also feel the consequences of AI the most. Their well-being must be at the forefront of how we continue to use and develop generative AI tools.

Check out the full report at https://lnkd.in/eU_rwk4s. 

We've seen lots of momentum today in our push to protect New York kids online through two pieces of legislation we're leading support on: the SAFE for Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act. First, early this morning, a new Siena College Research Institute poll showed strong, bipartisan and widespread support for the SAFE For Kids Act. 

A little later this morning, Secretary Hillary Clinton endorsed both bills. She's a New Yorker, a grandmother, and a long-time children's advocate.

Then at noon, we were honored to be in the room when Gov. Kathy Hochul (pictured) reiterated her support for protecting children online through the SAFE For Kids Act. Lawmakers in Albany have the opportunity to make New York the leader in protecting kids online. Let's do it. Momentum is on our side.

Read more about Sec. Clinton's support for these bills here:
https://lnkd.in/eqq8hnSD

The connection between social media and young people's mental health is a big focus for those trying to end the youth mental health crisis. Our new report in partnership with Hopelab is the third in a series that's been tracking the role of social media in how young people support their mental health, but this time with a focus on young people from diverse communities. The report reinforces what past reports have found: social media continues to be a double-edged sword for young people – connecting them to support and relief, but also exposing them to stressful content that makes them feel worse.

	Those impacts are amplified for Black and/or LGBTQ+ young people, or young 
people who already manage moderate to severe depressive symptoms. These groups are more likely to rely on social media for support and connection – and much more likely to see hate speech, homophobia, transphobia, and more that cause them to take breaks from these often helpful platforms altogether.

The good news? Young people are working to make their social media feeds healthier places to be, but they admit they can't do it alone. We can all work together to make social media a safer, healthier place for young people to be – through more research, education, and legislation. 

Read our full report:
https://lnkd.in/eQRq9SEQ 

Today, we met both new and old friends of the Common Sense Media UK advisory council. In an effort to grow momentum for digital and media literacy, understanding the impact of generative AI on children, and elevating youth voice in tech advocacy across the Atlantic, we welcomed two new board trustees, Sir Jeremy Wright KC MP and Jenny Afia!

Read more about our appointments here: https://lnkd.in/eb-qjZ6u

Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated to make a difference. We've got five pretty simple tips that will go a long way to protect you and your kids online. 

Check out our new article below. How many of these easy steps are you already following? 

https://lnkd.in/ehKJFgT2

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Common Sense Media