Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force released a comprehensive report with recommendations on how to keep youth safe online. This task force, co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, addressed critical issues related to youth health, safety, and privacy online.
The report echoes some of CDT’s recent research findings on child safety online, aligning with principles and strategies outlined to enhance online safety for young users.
**Privacy Protections for Youth as Default**
The task force recommends that industry partners make privacy protections for youth the default setting. CDT supports this approach. One of their research recommendations was for social media platforms to default youth accounts as private with limited discoverability while allowing users to select a public profile when desired. Privacy as default provides users with both a safety net and the agency to change settings as desired.
**Tools to Manage and Minimize Unwanted Interactions**
The report calls for effective mechanisms and strategies to address online harassment and abuse. CDT has recommended specific tools that can help youth manage unwanted messages and interactions on digital communication platforms – such as “user-side” filtering where young users decide what would be filtered or blocked out. More tools on platforms can empower young people to navigate their online experiences safely.
**Safety Information and Transparency**
The task force urges the disclosure of accurate safety-related information. CDT has similarly advocated for “just-in-time” notices that inform users about potential risks without overwhelming them with information. These timely notifications can help users make informed decisions about their online activities at the right moment. They also recommend that platforms be more transparent about safety protocols, providing young users with information about previously reported messages or persons.
**Engaging Youth in Research**
One recommendation strongly supported by CDT is engaging youth in future research efforts. Including youth in research ensures solutions are relevant, effective, and aligned with their lived experience. By understanding their perspectives, a safer online environment can be created that addresses their needs without unnecessary restrictive approaches.
**Acknowledging the Role of Schools in Youth Privacy and Well-being**
The report calls for more research on educational technology's effects, including student monitoring in schools concerning students’ privacy, safety, and well-being. While CDT has done extensive research on this topic, more information is needed as the digital landscape continues to shift rapidly. Schools often encounter large-scale manifestations of risks facing young people online but have limited resources to tackle these issues alone. The task force report provides action items for school districts, industry, and policymakers to work together in developing resources to equip students with knowledge needed to stay safe online.
CDT applauds the task force’s effort to provide guidance to parents, researchers, industry, and policymakers towards enhancing online safety for youth. They are encouraged by seeing their research recommendations reflected in this work and remain committed to supporting these ideas in the future.
The report sets forth a detailed research agenda addressing gaps in understanding digital technology's effects on youth. To help address these gaps, CDT will hold an upcoming event dedicated to exploring child safety research and policy—a one-day symposium bringing together academic and policy experts for dialogue on kids’ safety online.
