Social Media Safety Press Conference
SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Stern held a press conference for SB 1444 (dubbed Sammy’s Law), and SB 1504, which collectively aim to revolutionize how we approach digital citizenship and online safety for our youth. Joining the Senator were families of kids who have been victims of online dealers and cyberbullying.
Senator Stern believes California's proactive stance on online safety is good but wants further action. "We must do everything in our power to protect our children from the dangers of social media," said Senator Stern. "By establishing a mandatory process for removing and blocking cyberbullying material and providing transparency to survivors and parents, we aim to create a safer online environment for all."
SB 1504, co-authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, supports the bill because it safeguards our youngest Californians. “Social media platforms play an influential role in our children's lives, but with this influence comes the responsibility to protect them,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “I’m happy to co-author SB 1504 to help safeguard our youth and empower families to pursue legal action against platforms that fail to remove cyberbullying content, providing much-needed recourse in the face of online harassment.”
In attendance at the press conference was Jeff Weiner from JCFS (Jewish Child and Family Services) who read a statement from Amelie Serang, Freshman at Ruth Asawa High School in San Francisco who was bullied online. “When I was 11, a group of boys who had known me in elementary school began harassing me through a social media app called Discord. When I reported the users harassing me, I got no response or acknowledgement of my report and I still haven't,” Weiner read on behalf of Serang. “The risk that not having an accessible, timely, and effective cyber bullying reporting process poses to minors is extreme. If I was in an even worse place than I was when I was told to kill myself, I may have listened to them and done it, and that scares me. This legislation is crucial—it's essentially customer service for children."
Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, was proud to stand alongside his colleagues and support this bill. “With millions of children in our state susceptible to the harmful impacts of social media, it is imperative that the state do everything it can to protect and safeguard our youth. As the digital age advances we must continue to monitor and pass legislation to better combat cyberbullying and support the mental wellbeing of California’s next generations,” said Villapudua. “Passage of this bill will create safer conditions and strengthen our children’s relationship with new and evolving technologies.”
Two fathers spoke at the press event, they lost their sons to Snapchat dealers, a horror they think could have been prevented if Sammy’s Law was in print before the incidents.
"Social media has become a super-highway of illegal and nefarious activity that is bringing harm to our youth. It is time for new legislation to bring needed and appropriate safeguards to protect our communities." Chris Didier (Zach's Dad).
"If Sammy's Law had been in place when our son died, he would still be with us," Samuel P. Chapman (Sammy’s Dad)
“It is abundantly clear that social media poses significant risks to our children. From cyberbullying to self-harm, and even the terrifying specter of human trafficking, the dangers are real. It's heart-wrenching to think about the toll it's taking, with some children even losing their lives due to issues stemming from social media,” said Senator Stern.
SB 1444, or Sammy’s Law, addresses the growing concerns surrounding social media usage among children and adolescents.
SB 1504 seeks to combat cyberbullying by holding social media platforms accountable.
To watch the press conference: Sen. Stern: Sammy's Law SB1444 & Cyberbullying SB 1504 | Senator Henry Stern (ca.gov)
Photos: 05-14-24 - Dropbox