Political Quotes

On the recordApril 19, 2023
there is a grave threat to America's future lurking online. Big Tech giants and other online platforms are working every day to capture the minds of our children in order to pad their profits. Toddlers, before they can walk or barely talk, have learned to reach out and touch that bright little screen. Mothers and fathers on car rides and plane trips trust that little screen will buy them quiet time. Captivated, mesmerized, even hypnotized, the screen experience continues. And unless parents are very careful, it can go from bad to worse. It starts with music and games, which many of the parents find harmless. As the child grows up and graduates to a cell phone, there is an opportunity to move to a new level of information and communication. Let's face it, even the most caring, conscientious parent struggles to keep up with all the apps and options. And the producers of these online experiences are determined to work on the brains of these children, capture their little customers in the process, and pad their profits. So who is protecting our kids from internet profiteers and predators? I am sorry to say, almost no one. In fact, our laws are written to protect the predators, not the kids. Clearly, every child can benefit from a safe online experience. They can make friends, expand their knowledge, learn skills. But social media, we all know, has a dangerous dark side.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov
Apr 19, 2023

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 17, 2026

A farmer in Nebraska expects to pay for his wife and himself $32,000 this year for health insurance premiums.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 14, 2026

It’s great to be here at the EBC to celebrate the good, impactful work that is at the core of this center’s mission.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 27, 2026

What I witnessed today illustrated President Trump and Stephen Miller’s ruthless agenda: they will go so far with their cruel immigration operation to target terrified children, forcing them to articulate their fears in front of a judge…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

That’s why we’ve had an ongoing battle here in Washington for years against the for-profit college and university industry.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation