Common Sense Media Applauds Governor Newsom for Pushing to Strengthen Tech Protections for Kids and Teens

SACRAMENTO, January 8, 2026— Common Sense Media applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State address today for underscoring the urgent need for stronger protections for children and teens in online spaces, including social media, gaming platforms, and AI-driven systems. In response, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:

"Governor Newsom's State of the State reflects thoughtful leadership on one of the most pressing issues facing families today. By focusing on children's mental health, safety, and well-being in the conversation about technology and AI, the Governor reinforced that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand. And we clearly have much more work to do to make this a reality.

"We appreciate the Governor's continued leadership in positioning California as a national model for kids' online safety and his openness to building on existing protections as technology evolves. That commitment sends a clear signal that the well-being of young people will remain a priority as digital platforms continue to change."

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, over 1.4 million educators, members, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.