KOSA: Kids Online Safety Act Explained After Tragic Loss

The Tragedy of Emily Marillo

• 💔 Emily Marillo, a kind 17-year-old, was the victim of relentless online bullying during the pandemic.
• 📱 After begging her mother for social media access, Emily was targeted by peers on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.
• ⚠️ The bullying, coupled with existing mental health issues, proved to be too much for Emily, leading to her tragic death.

A Mother's Fight for Change

• 💬 Emily's mother, Aaron Popollo, is now channeling her grief into advocating for change.
• ⚖️ She is involved with KOSA: Kids Online Safety Act, legislation recently passed by the Senate.

Goals of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)

• 🚫 KOSA aims to compel social media platforms to change their design and offer users the ability to opt out of addictive algorithms.
• 🙏 Popollo's hope is that Emily's death will not be in vain and will spur meaningful action to protect other children online.