Full Breakdown
Safer Internet Day: Youth Perspectives on Technology and Regulation
2/20/2026, 11:49:30 AM
Overview of the Event
On February 13, 2026, ConnectSafely hosted its Safer Internet Day event in Sacramento, gathering approximately 100 high school and college students, lawmakers, educators, law enforcement, and tech executives. The event aimed to foster discussions on balancing the benefits of technology with its associated risks, featuring representatives from major tech companies such as Google, Meta, OpenAI, and TikTok.
Key Discussions on Technology and Safety
The event emphasized the importance of managing risks associated with technology rather than attempting to eliminate them entirely. ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid highlighted that technology, like driving, requires guardrails to ensure safety. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D–Orinda) stressed the need for regulations that prioritize the safety of young users, advocating for a proactive approach to digital safety.
Participants engaged in roundtable discussions led by ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher, where they reviewed research on issues such as the blurred lines between video games and gambling. Concerns were raised about features like loot boxes, which can introduce financial risks to young users. The consensus was to enhance in-app protections and improve digital literacy rather than impose blanket bans on social media.
Youth Perspectives on AI and Technology
During a panel discussion, high school junior Aleeza Siddique expressed concerns about generative AI's impact on autonomy and safety. She called for a measured introduction of AI technologies, emphasizing the need for standards that prioritize user choice. Students also voiced worries about AI's environmental impact, job displacement, and the ethical implications of using human-created works for training AI systems without consent.
Recommendations for Policymakers and Industry
The event concluded with a call for greater youth involvement in technology policymaking. Andrea Gil from the Youth Leadership Institute emphasized that young people should actively participate in discussions about policies that affect them. Industry representatives, including Kristelle Lavallee from Discord, echoed this sentiment, advocating for youth to contribute their insights to create effective policies.
Participants recommended expanding digital, media, and AI literacy for both students and parents, alongside stronger safety protections built into technology products. They urged lawmakers to develop thoughtful regulations that reflect the real experiences of young users, fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry, educators, and youth.
Official Statements & Responses
Magid noted, “The safer we make it online, the more autonomy we can give kids,” highlighting the importance of proactive measures in digital safety. Bauer-Kahan referred to her social media warning label law, framing social media as a “public health crisis” and advocating for regulations that protect young users.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many participants expressed skepticism about outright social media bans, there remains a divide on the effectiveness of current regulations and the adequacy of existing safety measures. Some youth participants called for immediate action, while others suggested a more gradual approach to implementing changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You can’t have a conversation about them without them,” — Andrea Gil, Youth Leadership Institute
- “The safer we make it online, the more autonomy we can give kids.” — Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember
- “Above all, the day reinforced a simple truth: young people are not passive users of technology.” — Larry Magid, Tech Journalist
The Safer Internet Day event underscored the critical role of youth voices in shaping a safer digital landscape, advocating for a collaborative approach to technology regulation that prioritizes their experiences and insights.
