Sammy’s Law: Protecting Children from Social Media Dangers
In the wake of the tragic loss of their son Sammy to a fentanyl-laced pill purchased on Snapchat, Sam Chapman and Laura Berman are spearheading efforts to pass Sammy’s Law (SB 1444) in the California state legislature. This bill seeks to enhance children’s online safety by requiring major social media platforms to allow integration with third-party monitoring software. This software would empower parents to detect potential dangers on their children’s accounts, such as drug and firearm sales, bullying, or suicidal thoughts.
The impetus for Sammy’s Law stems from the heartbreaking experience of the Chapman family. Sammy, a 16-year-old high school student, unknowingly engaged with a drug dealer on Snapchat and received a lethal dose of fentanyl, which was delivered to their doorstep. Had third-party monitoring software been available, the Chapmans believe they could have prevented this tragedy.
The bill, authored by state Senator Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now moving through the legislative process. However, it faces opposition from technology industry groups and civil liberty organizations. These groups express concerns about potential infringements on children’s privacy and data security. In response, the bill has incorporated several safeguards and amendments, such as:
– Exclusion of information on minors’ reproductive decisions or gender and sexual identity
– Requirement for minors to be informed about their parents’ use of monitoring software
– Registration and audit requirements for third-party monitoring software providers
Additionally, the bill provides for penalties in cases of inappropriate data exposure of minors.
The Chapmans are also advocating for a federal version of Sammy’s Law (HR 5778), introduced by Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz. They hope that, even if the federal bill is not passed, the passage of Sammy’s Law in California will have a widespread impact. California’s strict consumer and environmental regulations have often led to companies adopting these standards across the nation, a phenomenon known as the ‘California Effect.’
The Chapmans believe that Sammy’s Law has the potential to protect millions of children from the dangers lurking on social media platforms. They hope that its passage will honor Sammy’s memory and create a safer online environment for all young people.
