Common Sense Media Announces 2025 Common Sense Media Awards Honorees
Annual awards ceremony recognizes parents who transformed tragedy into policy change, educators protecting students' digital well-being, and California legislators leading the nation in child safety protections
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2025—Common Sense Media today announced the honorees for its annual Common Sense Media Awards, which will take place on November 6, 2025, at Pier 27 in San Francisco.
This year's honorees include:
- Champions for Change Award: Gina and Steve Meyer, who turned family tragedy into large-scale education policy reform to protect and support young people.
- Digital Citizenship Hero Award: Dr. Ricardo Elizalde, a San Francisco high school arts, media, and entertainment educator who has helped hundreds of students safely navigate their always-on world, protect their mental well-being, and think critically about their digital habits and online engagement.
- Educator of the Year Award: Alice Waters, whose Edible Schoolyard Project has revolutionized how we think about experiential learning and youth empowerment.
- Excellence in Family Storytelling Award: Melanie Zanetti, a voice actor whose work as Chilli in Bluey has redefined what quality children's media can be.
- Policy Leadership for Kids and Families Award: California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and Victoria and Paul Hinks, who spearheaded and championed critical legislation to protect California children on and offline.
"Common Sense Media thanks each one of these extraordinary honorees for all they do for kids and families," said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer. "In our always-on world, these remarkable change-makers are at the forefront of our efforts to build a safer, healthier, better online world. Their leadership and the support of our partners makes our important work possible."
For two decades, the Common Sense Media Awards have recognized visionary educators, creators, and policymakers who are building a safer, healthier future for children and families. The annual gala brings together hundreds of parents, advocates, educators, and policymakers to celebrate Common Sense Media's supporters, partners, and its mission to build the digital future that children deserve.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.