Georgia has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in the newly released Childhood Index, a national ranking from the Anxious Generation Movement. The index evaluates how states are working to protect children and support healthy childhood development amid increasing digital influences. Georgia received this designation for its recent efforts to address the effects of online platforms on young people and for promoting healthier environments both online and in schools.
The recognition comes after work by the Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Effects of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children. The committee, co-chaired by Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) and Majority Caucus Chair Sen. Shawn Still (R–Suwanee), gathered input from researchers, parents, educators, and technology experts about how social media impacts children’s mental health, safety, and development.
Several legislative proposals have resulted from the committee’s recommendations during this session:
– Senate Bill 495 would require online platforms used by minors to default to high privacy settings and limit features that encourage compulsive use.
– Senate Bill 488 proposes applying Georgia’s product-liability laws to generative AI systems marketed toward minors.
– House Bill 1009 seeks to extend school cellphone restrictions through high school to reduce distractions during the school day.
“Kids deserve a childhood filled with friendships, play, and real-world experiences, not one dominated by addictive technology,” said Sen. Harrell. “Georgia’s recognition as a Rising Star shows we’re beginning to take the responsibility seriously to protect children online and give families more control. When the federal government fails to act, states must step into the breach. This recognition shows that Georgia can be a leader in protecting kids online. When we make technology safer by design, we give children the space they need to grow, learn and thrive.”
The Childhood Index reviews policies across all 50 states aimed at safeguarding children online while also promoting healthy offline experiences. The Anxious Generation Movement is inspired by a bestselling book advocating for policy changes that help restore healthier childhoods in today’s digital world.
Senator John F. Kennedy has played an active role in legislative sponsorship and committee work as a state senator according to his official website. He served as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate, chaired the Administrative Affairs Committee, was an ex-officio member on several committees including Ethics, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Rules; he represented Georgia’s 18th District since being sworn into office on January 12, 2015; his office is located at 305-B CLOB in Atlanta.
Sen. Sally Harrell represents Georgia’s 40th Senate District covering parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
For media inquiries regarding these developments or related legislative activity within the state senate leadership team—including those involving Senator Kennedy—contact information is available through official channels.
