Audio Version: Add this article to a WordPress Gutenberg Audio block when the narration file is available.By SCN Staff Content Note: This article discusses technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse. It also includes practical support and reporting information for families. Quick Review UNICEF estimates that 20 million children ages 12 to 17, or nearly 1 […]
By SCN StaffPublished September 13, 2026 Quick Review A new UNICEF Innocenti report estimates that 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year. More than 40% of cases were never shared with anyone, and fewer than 1% were reported to […]
Quick Review California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 13 bipartisan child online safety bills on September 10, 2026. AB 1709 restricts autoplay, infinite scroll, and personalized algorithmic feeds for users under 16. Adam’s Law, SB 1119, creates new safeguards for companion chatbots, including crisis protocols, parental controls, risk assessments, and independent audits. AB 2 creates civil […]
By SCN StaffPublished September 8, 2026 Quick Review NYC Public Schools has enacted a one-year moratorium on student-facing generative AI for students in 2-K through eighth grade during the 2026–27 school year. Companion chatbots designed for emotional or mental-health support are prohibited in every grade, including high school. High school students may access five centrally […]
By SCN Staff Quick Review California SB 867 passed the Legislature on August 31, 2026, but it is not law yet. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and the Assembly 74–1 with bipartisan support. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it would pause the manufacture and sale of toys with companion chatbot capabilities for children […]
By SCN Staff Quick Review An estimated 22 million AI-integrated toys were sold globally in 2025, including toys marketed for education and companionship. Common Sense Media found that approximately 27% of tested AI toy responses were not appropriate for children. Avoid AI companion toys for children under 5, and use extreme caution with children ages […]
