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Sammy's Law Receives House Approval

On March 6, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Committee greenlighted H.R. 2657, known as Sammy's Law, a critical piece of bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing online safety for families. This law is significant because it allows parents and teenagers over the age of 13 to utilize third-party safety software registered with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to safeguard children against various social media threats, including cyberbullying, drug trafficking, and self-harm.

The Organization for Social Media Safety expressed its support for the committee's decision, emphasizing the need for improved protection on social media platforms. The legislation mandates that major social media companies provide secure, real-time access to these safety tools while ensuring strict privacy and data-minimization practices. Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, highlighted the law's potential to enable timely alerts and interventions, saying, "One of the most effective ways for parents to protect children is by using third-party safety software... This proactive approach offers families an essential tool in monitoring their children's social media activities."

Why Sammy's Law Matters

Sammy's Law is named in honor of Sammy Chapman, a young victim of the dangerous realities of social media. In February 2021, Sammy tragically lost his life after falling victim to a drug dealer he connected with via Snapchat. This incident exemplified the dire need for effective safety measures to protect young users from similar threats.

The law aims to create a structured opt-in framework where either a parent or the teen themselves can authorize the installation and use of approved safety software. Among its key provisions, the law requires major social media platforms to facilitate real-time API access for these safety tools, thereby ensuring families can effectively monitor interactions.

In terms of compliance, the law stipulates stringent safeguards including:

• - Teen Notification: Users will be informed when significant interactions or content sharing occurs.
• - Data Minimization: Only essential data will be collected and processed, reducing the risk of misuse.
• - Rapid Data Deletion: Ensures user privacy by mandating fast deletion of data when no longer required.
• - Independent Security Audits: Enhances transparency by allowing for regular evaluations of data handling practices.

Voices of Support

Numerous stakeholders, including those personally affected by the absence of protective measures on social media, support the progress of Sammy's Law. Samuel Chapman, Sammy's father, expressed optimism following the committee's approval, noting that this law could save countless lives by empowering parents to supervise their children's online interactions more effectively.

Rose Bronstein, a survivor parent who experienced the devastating effects of cyberbullying after losing her son, reiterates the urgency of this legislation. She recalled how, had Sammy's Law been in place, she could have been alerted to her son Nate's distressing online interactions and potentially intervened in time to save him.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

With the committee's approval, Sammy's Law is advancing through the legislative process in the House. The Organization for Social Media Safety is committed to collaborating with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to expedite the law's passage and implementation. Advocates believe that swift legislative action is crucial to protect vulnerable young people from the myriad dangers associated with social media use today.

In summary, Sammy's Law represents both a necessary legislative step towards safer online environments for children and a hope for parents striving to protect their children from the insidious challenges posed by social media. Emphasizing education, advocacy, and technological innovation, the Organization for Social Media Safety continues to lead the charge in making social media a safer space for everyone, ensuring that tragedies like Sammy's do not recur.

For further information, visit the Organization for Social Media Safety's website at www.socialmediasafety.org.