Events

On Wednesday, June 5th, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted its 2024 European Forum, "A Transatlantic Dialogue," Microsoft's offices in Paris.This event brought together key government leaders and regulators working to advance online safety, to discuss international regulatory developments. We featured a series of insightful panels, fireside chats, and networking opportunities, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and future directions of online safety across the globe.

According to the 2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, more than two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth participate in online communities specifically to engage with other LGBTQ+ people in their age group. Virtually all LGBTQ+ youth, as well as transgender or gender-expansive youth, have used the internet to find information that helps them understand their LGBTQ+ identity. Unfortunately, roughly half of all LGBTQ+ youth have experienced cyberbullying based on their identity. On Thursday June 20th, FOSI hosted an evening virtual webinar discussion, where we heard opening remarks from FOSI's Jonathon Bridgeman, before Ellen Kahn (Human Rights Campaign Foundation) presented key findings from HRC's report. Ellen then lead a discussion featuring two teens and their parents who shared how they safely navigate the Internet, what tools and resources they use to connect to the LGBTQ+ community online, and how they keep themselves and their communities safe.

Back-to-school season marks a huge transition for many children and teens, including the introduction of new technologies both at school and at home. Additionally, as we continue to navigate the youth mental health crisis, a new school year can seem more stressful than ever. What role does tech play in youth mental health? As schools become more and more integrated with digital devices, will young peoples' mental health be affected? What role can tech play in strengthening your child's mental health? What online safety measures can we take to make sure young people have a safe, successful and mentally healthy school year?

We are thrilled to invite you to a special webinar on Thursday, September 19th, from 2-3 pm EST, as FOSI's CEO, Stephen Balkam, hosts an exclusive Book Talk with Dr. Nicol Turner Lee to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Digitally Invisible. This enlightening conversation will explore the themes of digital inequity, the impact of technology on marginalized communities, and what it means to be "digitally invisible" in today's fast-evolving digital landscape. This is an opportunity to gain insights from two leaders deeply engaged in the future of digital inclusion and online safety.

Join the Family Online Safety Institute for a roundtable discussion as we workshop the best ways to make the SAFE for Kids Act most impactful and discuss a path forward for kids online safety in New York.

On December 9th, 2024, FOSI hosted its Annual Conference at the InterContinental on the Wharf in Washington, DC. This year's theme, From Protection to Empowerment, brought together leaders from the public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors to address the most pressing issues in online safety. The conference explored how protective measures can evolve into tools that empower users to confidently navigate the digital world.

On February 12, 2025, FOSI partnered with Thorn for a powerful discussion on online safety in recognition of Safer Internet Day. This webinar explored key risks facing children online, including harassment, abuse, sextortion, and CSAM, while providing caregivers and educators with actionable strategies to protect young users.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing titled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” The hearing focused on the growing dangers children face online, particularly child sexual exploitation and other online harms, highlighting the failure of Big Tech to implement adequate […]

We welcome you to join FOSI for our kids’ online safety roundtable and reception in Sacramento, California. As the battle between regulation and litigation over kids' online safety continues, California proves to be a state taking the lead. Despite the seemingly inevitable legal challenges, California has been a catalyst for trends in digital safety legislation […]