Common Sense Media Applauds U.S. Sens. Hawley and Blumenthal for Legislation to Protect Kids from AI Companion Chatbots

SAN FRANCISCO, October 28, 2025—U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today introduced legislation to protect children from unsafe AI companion chatbots. Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:

"Common Sense Media applauds Senators Hawley and Blumenthal for introducing legislation to protect kids from the dangers of AI companion chatbots. And we appreciate that they listened to the voice of the courageous parents who have come forward to publicly share their tragic personal stories. At a time when three in four kids are using these products, this issue demands urgent action.

"Common Sense Media concluded in April, after conducting extensive risk assessments, that AI companion chatbots are not safe for kids, period. That is why we pioneered legislation that was approved by the California legislature earlier this year to strictly limit kids' access to chatbots that promote dangerous behaviors like self-harm and suicide. We also testified before Senator Hawley's subcommittee in September alongside courageous parents whose teenage children died by suicide after turning to AI for companionship. And in my capacity as head of the Common Sense Kids Action Fund, along with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, I announced last week a ballot initiative in California to set up much-needed AI safeguards for kids.

"Senators Hawley and Blumenthal's bill would establish many of the protections our kids need in the AI era. We thank them for taking this very important step and we look forward to working with them on the details of the bill throughout the legislative process to ensure kids and families get the protections they need."

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