The GenAI Generation: Shaping the Future
2024-02-15 00:00 UTC | Virtual Webinar
In the past year, AI and genAI have become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. What does this mean for caregivers and policymakers who are working to keep children safe online? Recent FOSI research shows that young people are looking for guidance when it comes to AI/genAI, and caregivers currently have a unique opportunity to educate their children about the topic. Policymakers are also beginning to consider the effects AI/genAI can have on families and children. States, the federal government, and Europe have all taken different regulatory steps in order to limit the risks while reaping the rewards of these technologies.
On February 15th, FOSI hosted a discussion between genAI researcher Michelle Dickens (Kantar) and a parent and teen who participated in FOSI’s recent research report, followed by a robust discussion about the policy implications that stem from FOSI’s recent research with Samir Jain (Center for Democracy and Technology). The conversation was moderated by FOSI’s CEO Stephen Balkam.

FOSI Briefs the States: A Golden Opportunity for Online Safety
2024-05-08 13:30 - 16:00 UTC | Hyatt Regency Sacramento – Capitol View Room, 1209 L Street Sacramento, California 95814
California remains the state to watch as a leader in online safety policy. From being the first state to pass the Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC) and the privacy-preserving Delete Act, to the introduction of a bill to address chronological versus algorithmic feeds for minors, California continues to pave the way in regulating online safety and privacy.
In September 2022, when California passed the AADC, the law received both praise and critique from leaders in the tech industry. With increased attention to kids’ online safety, this law has been suggested as a potential path forward. However, with criticism from some tech policy advocates and lawsuits from trade associations, the law faces an uphill battle towards implementation. All of this and more will be discussed at FOSI Briefs the States: A Golden Opportunity for Online Safety.
On May 8, 2024, FOSI hosted their first California state policy event in Sacramento, California. Tami Bhaumik, the VP of Civility and Partnerships at Roblox & FOSI Board Chair, provided opening remarks. California Assemblymember Josh Hoover provided a keynote address. FOSI’s Policy Specialist, Marissa Edmund, moderated a panel discussion featuring:

Larry Magid, ConnectSafely.org
Nichole Rocha, Rocha Public Affairs
Matt Soeth, All Tech Is Human

A full recording of the event will be available on the FOSI YouTube page in the coming days.
This was a widely attended event, free and open to the public and press.

FOSI 2024 European Forum
2024-06-05 09:45 - 17:30 UTC | 41 Quai du PrÃ©sident Roosevelt, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, 41 Quai du PrÃ©sident Roosevelt, Issy-les-Moulineaux, 92130, France
A Transatlantic Dialogue
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.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions and panel sessions throughout the day featuring some of the foremost experts in the field:

International Government Leaders & Regulators: Prominent figures shared their insights on advancing online safety through effective policy and regulatory measures.
Parenting Experts: Leading professionals provided practical tips and tools for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in a digital age.
Industry Leaders: Representatives from top tech companies discussed their latest innovations in online safety, including new products, features, and educational strategies.
Expert Researchers: Researchers presented their recent findings, offering data-driven insights and trends that can inform future policy, parenting practices, and industry standards.

Additionally, the event included a featured fireside chat entitled, “Lessons from a Facebook Whistleblower,” in which Arturo Bejar, the former Director of Engineering at Facebook, shared his experiences working in big tech and discussed what the industry can do better to prioritize the well-being of teens online.
The FOSI 2024 European Forum provided valuable insights, promoted informed collaboration, and fostered meaningful dialogue among stakeholders dedicated to improving online safety across sectors and borders.
Recordings of each session are available on FOSI’s YouTube channel.

Event Save the Date flyer for download.

LGBTQ+ Youth and the Internet
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Webinar
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.

Screens and Wellbeing: Tech's Role in Back - to -School Mental Health
2024-09-04 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Webinar
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?
Our panelists answered these questions and more on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 during a discussion between our moderator Alanna Powers, and mental health/tech professionals Dr. Shairi Turner, Patricia Noel, Nicole Owings-Fonner and Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes followed by a conversation between Lindsay Fleming, LPC, and teens directly affected by these issues.

Resources shared in this conversation:

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
What Do Young People in Crisis Need From Their Communities?
School Refusal & Anxiety in Children and Teenagers

Born This Way Foundation
Be There Certificate
Be There Certificate One-Pager
Channel Kindness

Discord Teen Charter
Discord Parent Hub

AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Conversation Starters for Families About Media
Building Healthy Relationships with Media: Essential Skills for Children 10 and Younger
The 5 Cs of Media Use
Managing Content on Social Media Feeds

Family Online Safety Institute
Parents: Your Mental Health Matters, Too
Safety Cards for your Devices

AAP CoE Youth Advisory Panel
Snapchat Youth Council for Digital Well-Being
The Teenage Handbook

Digital Inequality: A Book Talk with Dr. Nicol Turner Lee & Stephen Balkam
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Webinar
FOSI hosted a special webinar where our CEO, Stephen Balkam, engaged in a thought-provoking Book Talk with Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, centered around her groundbreaking new book, Digitally Invisible.
This insightful conversation delved into digital inequity, the impact of technology on marginalized communities, and the concept of being “digitally invisible” in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from two experts deeply involved in shaping the future of digital inclusion and online safety.
Dr. Nicol Turner Lee’s Digitally Invisible provides a comprehensive look into how certain communities remain underrepresented and underserved in the digital age, with real-world consequences for education, employment, and civic engagement. During the Book Talk, Dr. Turner Lee shared her research, policy recommendations, and practical solutions for bridging the digital divide.
Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, parent, or professional, this event offered important takeaways on fostering a more inclusive digital future. We were thrilled to host such an engaging and important discussion, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on digital inclusion.

FOSI Briefs the States: A Discussion on New York’s Approach to Kids Online Safety
2024-10-10 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Civic Hall New York
Amidst state, federal, and international attention surrounding kids’ online safety, New York made waves in June 2024 when it passed the SAFE For Kids Act. This law would require chronological feeds as opposed to personalized feeds for minors unless they have parental consent. Additionally, the state passed the New York Child Data Protection Act. This law prohibits the sale, collection, or sharing of minors’ data without their expressed consent and establishes “age flags,” a signal to the user’s device that the user is a minor.
While the laws have passed and will go into effect 180 days after the Attorney General’s rulemaking, questions remain on the technical feasibility of some of the measures. Additionally, most social media bills aimed at protecting children have seen subsequent legal action taken to prevent them from going into effect on First Amendment grounds.
On October 10, 2024, Family Online Safety Institute hosted a roundtable discussion that convened policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society groups to 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.
Lead sponsor of the New York SAFE for Kids Act Senator Andrew Goundardes provided keynote remarks before attendees discussed the benefits and challenges of these laws.
Be on the lookout for more FOSI Briefs the States events in the future!
For inquiries, contact press@fosi.org.

FOSI 2024 Annual Conference
2024-12-09 08:00 - 20:00 UTC | InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC, MD, 20024, United States
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.
The day began with a Keynote Address from Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who underscored the importance of collaboration in creating safer online spaces. FOSI’s CEO, Stephen Balkam, welcomed attendees with opening remarks that set the tone for the day’s discussions. This was followed by the launch of FOSI’s latest research, Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World, conducted in partnership with Kantar. Researchers presented findings on how teens and parents in the U.S., Germany, and Brazil perceive the role of digital devices in their emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
A dynamic panel discussion followed the research presentation, featuring experts such as Dr. Amanda Ferguson from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Jennifer Kotler Clarke from Google, and Dr. Emily Weinstein from Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving. Moderated by Dr. Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution, the panel unpacked the study’s implications for industry and policymakers, offering insights on promoting digital wellbeing.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in thought-provoking sessions covering a range of critical topics. The Global Online Safety Regulators Network reconvened for a two-year review, with regulators from Australia, France, and the UK discussing cross-border collaboration and regulatory progress. A fireside chat with Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, provided further insights into the evolving landscape of online safety policy.
The conference also featured two sets of breakout sessions that allowed attendees to dive deeper into specific areas, such as AI-driven content moderation, financial sextortion, youth perspectives on digital safety, and children’s rights in the digital age. These panels brought together experts from organizations like Snap, Roblox, LEGO, and Thorn, providing a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges in online safety.
In the afternoon plenary sessions, mother-daughter TikTok creators, Erica Grit and her daughter Kamilah Ramsay, shared their experiences navigating the digital world together. Additional panels focused on gaming safety innovations, digital parenting in a rapidly changing tech landscape, and building enriching online experiences for teens.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Stephen Balkam, reinforcing the theme of empowering users in the digital age. Attendees left with fresh insights, actionable strategies, and new connections to advance the mission of online safety.
Event Highlights:

Keynote Address: Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Research Launch: Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World
Breakout Panels: Covering topics like AI, financial sextortion, and the rights of children in the digital age
Global Perspectives: Insights from international regulators and Gen Z leaders
Networking Opportunities: Including a lively evening reception

Full videos of all mainstage sessions are available on FOSI’s YouTube channel.
Photos from the conference are now available in our event Event Media Gallery.

Spotting Red Flags: Recognizing Online Abuse and Harassment, a Safer Internet Day Event
2025-02-12 11:00 - 17:00 UTC | CA
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.
The event began with with a brief introduction by Alanna Powers and continued with Marissa Edmund and Melissa Stroebel as they broke down the warning signs of online abuse and provided practical guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators on how to protect children from bad actors.
Following their discussion, Adele Taylor moderated a thought-provoking, pre-recorded youth panel featuring Thorn’s Digital Safety Ambassadors, Joyce Jin and Sabrina Samidon. The panelists shared their experiences growing up in a digital world, offering insights on navigating risks and staying safe online.This engaging and informative session provided essential guidance for families, educators, and advocates committed to fostering a safer internet for all.

Committee Hearing: Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps
2025-03-24 00:00 UTC | CA
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 safeguards, the inadequacy of current legal frameworks like Section 230, and the urgent need for bipartisan legislative action to hold tech companies accountable and protect children.
Witnesses included:

Rep. Brandon Guffey, Representative, South Carolina House of Representatives
Carrie Goldberg, Founder, C.A. Goldberg Law Firm
Mary Graw Leary, Professor, Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
John Pizzuro, CEO, Raven
Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO, Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)

FOSI Briefs the States: Changemakers in California
2025-05-20 15:00 - 18:00 UTC | Citizen Hotel, 926 J St, Sacramento, California, 926 J St, Sacramento, CA, 95841, United States
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 as other states look to them when drafting iterations of their bills.
During this event we will convene policymakers, tech industry leaders, and online safety experts to discuss a path forward towards a safer internet for kids. What do policymakers need to know? How can industry better support parents and families? Join FOSI’s invite-only roundtable as we dive into these questions and more.
Topics will include: Age Appropriate Design Codes, Age Assurance, Addictive Feeds Laws, AI Companion Chatbots, and more.
Register Here.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Marissa Edmund medmund@fosi.org.
This event is exclusively for policymakers, online safety professionals, and tech industry members.

FOSI 2025 European Forum
2025-06-11 09:30 - 17:30 UTC | Netflix EMEA Headquarters, Karperstraat 8, Amsterdam, Karperstraat 8, Amsterdam, 1075 KZ, Netherlands
The Philosophy, Policy, and Practice of Online Safety
On June 11th, 2025, FOSI hosted its European Forum at Netflix’s EMEA Headquarters in Amsterdam, convening leaders from government, academia, industry, and civil society to examine the evolving landscape of online safety across the globe. With the theme The Philosophy, Policy, and Practice of Online Safety, the forum explored how research, regulation, and innovation intersect to create a safer and more empowering digital world.
The day began with welcome remarks from Tami Bhaumik, FOSI Chair and VP at Roblox, followed by opening remarks from Rob Zimmerman of Netflix. A powerful fireside chat kicked off the program, featuring Stephen Balkam (FOSI), Arda Gerkens (Netherlands), Oliver Griffiths (UK Ofcom), and Niamh Hodnett (Ireland), who reflected on their respective regulatory approaches to protecting children online.
FOSI then debuted a panel of leading academics—Sandra Cortesi (Berkman Klein Center), Julia Davidson (University of East London), Pete Etchells (Bath Spa University), and Jessica Piotrowski (University of Amsterdam)—to examine the current state of online safety research, moderated by Stephen Balkam. The conversation touched on themes of digital empowerment, evidence-based policymaking, and the nuanced challenges families face across digital platforms.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in timely conversations on regulation, innovation, and youth engagement. Highlights included:

A panel on European regulation, with experts from 5Rights Foundation, k-ID, Online Safety Act Network, and the European Commission, unpacking the DSA, GDPR, AI Act, and more.

A fireside chat with Candela Montero (Epic Games) and Michael Murray (UK ICO) on youth-focused safety design.

A deep dive into tech innovation featuring voices from TikTok, YouTube, Telia Company, GSMA, Resolver, and Roblox, exploring how technology can better support families.

In the afternoon, attendees viewed a short clip from Netflix’s “Adolescence,” which uniquely featured high school students sharing their perspectives on the clip and online safety. This session, led by Stephen Balkam and Madeleine de Cock Buning (Netflix), provided a rare opportunity for young voices to contribute to the dialogue around digital citizenship and safety. Their insights seamlessly set the stage for a dynamic panel on preparing kids for digital adulthood. Speakers from Amazon, Tencent, Childnet, and educational and nonprofit groups weighed in on real-world parenting, digital education, and kids’ lived online experiences.
The day concluded with a final fireside chat between Stephen Balkam and Ruben van der Dussen (Apple), followed by closing remarks and a lively networking reception.
Event Highlights:

Fireside Chats with senior leaders from Apple, Netflix, Epic Games, and European regulators

Panels on cutting-edge research, EU regulation, AI safety, and digital parenting

Student voices and educator perspectives in response to Netflix’s Adolescence

Networking reception hosted at Netflix’s Amsterdam HQ

Photos and the full event livestream will be available soon. Stay tuned!

FOSI Briefs the Hill Roundtable, Data and Dialogue: Bridging Online Safety Research and Policy
2025-07-17 09:30 - 13:00 UTC | Convene, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, 20005, United States
As online safety stories continue to garner headlines and influence policymakers, the need for substantive research and data has become paramount. FOSI believes that the best public policies are grounded in evidence, even if compelling anecdotes and narratives help build momentum for a specific bill. With that in mind, we convened a group of online safety researchers and policy professionals for an in-person roundtable to discuss the latest data in this space and how it can inform and improve domestic policies.
The event featured two research presentations focused on teens’ and parents’ online safety habits and perspectives, followed by a collaborative discussion on the findings and additional relevant research. The conversation also explored ways to make online safety data more actionable for policymakers and more easily understood and considered by the general public.
The roundtable offered a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between research, policy, and public understanding in today’s digital landscape.

Cellphones, Chatbots, and Classrooms: Navigating Tech Together
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | CA
From cellphone bans to chatbots writing essays, teachers and students headed back to the classroom this year with uncertainty about the role technology should play in learning and instruction. Was ChatGPT an appropriate tool or plagiarism? Who was meant to teach young people the difference?
In response to these concerns, many states introduced legislation directing school districts to develop not only cellphone policies but also guidance on how AI and other technologies should be used in schools.
As policymakers began regulating this space, it was imperative that students, teachers, parents, and families were all involved in the process. Earlier this month, FOSI hosted a back-to-school webinar to help families navigate the role of technology in today’s classrooms.
You can watch the full recording here.

FOSI Briefs the States: Battle of the Beltway
2025-09-17 15:00 - 18:00 UTC | 1201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209, 1201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 22209, United States
As states continue to pass a variety of online safety and privacy measures, the impacts of this patchwork may finally come to a head. Both Virginia and Maryland have taken different approaches to kids’ online safety. From a default 1-hour time limit for social media in Virginia to an updated Age Appropriate Design Code in Maryland, a child could have different safety measures in a quick commute along the beltway.
Are these real concerns to contend with or are the impacts overstated? What do these different laws in neighboring states mean for families’ online experiences, and how do these changes impact industry compliance?
Join FOSI on September 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. for an in-person roundtable discussion on how legislators, industry, and advocates are grappling with these questions.
This event is for legislators, industry, and online safety advocates. If you have questions about attending, please email events@fosi.org.
Register Here.

Webinar: Family Support for LGBTQ + Young People
2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | CA
Hosted by FOSI and Born This Way Foundation, this session explored how parents and caregivers can create affirming spaces, better understand the role of online communities in young people’s lives, and strengthen connections at home. Born This Way Foundation shared key insights from research conducted alongside LGBTQ+ young people, offering actionable strategies families can use to show support, navigate mistakes with care, and access resources for ongoing learning. Together, we highlighted how fostering inclusion both online and in person contribute to safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ young people. The presentation concluded with a panel discussion featuring perspectives from a Born This Way Foundation researcher, a youth advisor, and a parent advocate of a LGBTQ+ young person.

FOSI 2025 Annual Conference
2025-11-10 08:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC, MD, 20024, United States
On November 10th, 2025, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted its Annual Conference, Online Safety in Tumultuous Times, at the InterContinental on the Wharf in Washington, DC. The event brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector to address the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in digital safety.
The day began with opening remarks from Tami Bhaumik, Vice President of Civility & Partnerships at Roblox and Chair of FOSI’s Board of Directors, followed by a welcome from Stephen Balkam, FOSI’s Founder and CEO.
FOSI then launched its latest research, Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens are Navigating a New Digital Frontier, which explored how young people are using, thinking about, and feeling toward generative AI. The session featured Gina Bell (InTandem) and Alanna Powers-O’Brien (FOSI), along with a youth speaker who participated in the study. An Experts React panel, moderated by Amanda Lenhart (Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop), expanded on the findings with insights from Dr. Sunny Xun Liu (Stanford Social Media Lab), Anne-Sophie Seret (everyone.ai), and Alanna Powers-O’Brien (FOSI).
The morning plenary continued with a conversation on the FTC’s role in online safety, featuring Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Cecilia Kang of The New York Times. This was followed by Education, Empowerment, and Enforcement: Thoughtful Online Safety Approaches, which brought together representatives from Snap, Thorn, and the DHS Cyber Crimes Center to discuss a whole-of-society approach to child protection.
Breakout sessions throughout the day tackled key topics including gaming safety, digital parenting, gender and online harm, chatbots and childhood, and state-level policy innovation. Experts from across the tech, research, and advocacy sectors shared data, best practices, and real-world insights to help families thrive online.
Entertainment Software Association kicked off the afternoon with a session on safety by design in the gaming industry, followed by Apple’s discussion on new and long-standing safety tools that empower parents while protecting children’s privacy.
A highlight of the day was the release of FOSI’s brand-new explainer video, “What’s the Deal with Age Assurance?”, which introduced a series of panels focused on the future of age assurance and its impact on children, families, and industry. Kate Charlet (Google) opened the segment with a dive into the challenges and opportunities of developing effective, privacy-minded age assurance solutions, followed by a broader discussion with experts from Ofcom, Future of Privacy Forum, and New America on the state of age assurance policy and practice in 2025.
The final sessions featured TikTok’s Corey Ponder in conversation with members of the TikTok Global Youth Counciland Praesidio Safeguarding on co-designing digital safety with youth, followed by Catherine Teitelbaum (Amazon) moderating Partnerships with Purpose, a discussion highlighting how collaboration across sectors can strengthen online safety and support families in the digital world.
Stephen Balkam closed the event with final remarks, thanking attendees, speakers, and sponsors for their participation and support throughout the day. He concluded by announcing that FOSI’s 20th Annual Conference will take place in 2026, marking a major milestone in the organization’s mission to make the online world safer for children and families.

Event Highlights:

Research Launch: Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens are Navigating a New Digital Frontier

Explainer Release: What’s the Deal with Age Assurance?

High-Level Conversations: Featuring FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Apple, TikTok, Google, Snap, and more

Breakout Sessions: Covering AI, digital parenting, gender and online harm, and state-level policy

Youth Engagement: A full youth-led breakout panel and participation from teen speakers and members of TikTok’s Global Youth Council

Full videos of all mainstage sessions are available on FOSI’s YouTube channel.
Stay tuned — we will be sharing photos from the event in the coming days. Thank you again for being part of this important conversation.

Nov
19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary
November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004

Details

Register »

FOSI Briefs the Hill Webinar: Online Safety Policy Developments from 2025
2025-12-16 07:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York) | CA
As 2025 comes to an end, join FOSI staff’s briefing to reflect on all of the online safety policy developments from this year. What bills passed into law, what laws survived legal challenges, what laws came into effect this year? How can we learn from what worked and what didn’t, and how does that change policymaker’s approach to online safety regulation moving forward? The event will focus on action at the federal level, but we’ll also look to the states and abroad for additional ideas to replicate (and avoid).

Join this briefing for policy staff to discuss all the highlights from 2025 including: age assurance, AI chatbots, deepfakes, addictive algorithms, social media bans, and more. And we’ll even get into a preview of what to expect in 2026. Click here to register.

FOSI Briefs the States: Online Safety in Florida
2026-02-04 05:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Governors Club, 202 S Adams St, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, United States
We welcome you to join FOSI for our kids’ online safety presentation and discussion in Tallahassee, Florida.

In 2024, Florida passed HB 3 which included a first-in-the-nation measure that barred under 14 year olds from social media, and required parental consent for 14 and 15 year olds to create accounts. Florida has remained a state to watch in the kids’ online safety debate since, as it has subsequently banned cellphone use in schools, released early data on the impacts of these measures, and newly released AI Bill of Rights introduces new measures to regulate AI and address kids’ online safety.

Join FOSI on February 4 for a presentation and roundtable discussion on the state of kids’ online safety in Florida. Attendees are welcome to drop in anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM. We are happy to collaborate with the James Madison Institute for this event. Click here to register.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Marissa Edmund medmund@fosi.org.

Connected Worlds: How Youth Navigate Technology at Home and in the Classroom
2026-02-10 07:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Webinar
Young people move between home and school every day, carrying their digital lives with them. Yet the expectations, rules, and responses they encounter in each space are often misaligned. This Safer Internet Day webinar brings together youth panelists and experts from FOSI, NoFiltr, and Discovery Education for a conversation on how young people experience technology in their daily lives, and how adult responses shape trust, communication, and confidence.

Grounded in youth perspectives, the session examines where adult assumptions may fall short, how differing approaches across home and school affect young people, and what realistic, supportive adult engagement looks like in practice. Rather than focusing on tools or restrictions, the discussion centers on relationships, communication, and consistency. Click here here to register.

FOSI Briefs the Hill Roundtable, Online Safety Research and Policy: New Data, New Bills, Same Stagnation?
2026-06-02 06:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | 1101 17th St NW, Suite 200, Washington DC 20006, 1101 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
Online safety remains a paramount issue for families around the world as technologies, laws, and research all continue to focus on young people’s digital lives. FOSI believes that the best public policies are grounded in evidence, even if compelling anecdotes and narratives help build momentum for a specific bill. Our latest FOSI Briefs the Hill will convene key researchers and policy stakeholders to present and discuss the latest data in this space, to improve and inform domestic policies.

This in-person event will open with two research presentations focused on teens’ and parents’ online safety habits and perspectives. Alanna Powers-O’Brien will begin with takeaways from FOSI’s recurring Online Safety Survey, and Jeffery Gottfried will emphasize the top highlights from Pew Research Center’s youth internet and technology studies. The discussion will then move into how to use these findings in policy discussions, focusing on what laws Congress should prioritize to improve online safety.

Coffee and lunch will be provided. Please reach out to events@fosi.org if you have any questions or are interested in participating.

FOSI 2026 European Forum
2026-06-09 | Google Headquarters in Brussels, Chau. d'Etterbeek 180, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Finding Common Ground
On June 9th, 2026, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted its European Forum at Google’s Brussels office, bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to explore one of the most important questions in online safety today: how do we protect children online while preserving the opportunities and benefits that technology provides?
Under the theme Finding Common Ground, the Forum focused on where policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, educators, and young people can work together to create safer online experiences. Discussions throughout the day examined evolving regulation, emerging research, youth perspectives, parental support, and safety by design.
The morning sessions explored how online safety policy is taking shape across Europe, with regulators discussing the Digital Services Act, AI Act, age assurance efforts, and broader debates around children’s online experiences. Attendees also heard from OpenAI and Apple, bringing industry perspectives to the conversation around family safety and digital wellbeing.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came from the youth representatives of Belgium’s Child Focus organization. Speaking candidly about problematic content, identity exploration, and the realities of growing up online, they reminded attendees why young people must be included in conversations that directly impact their digital lives.
The morning concluded with a powerful fireside conversation between Stephen Balkam and Ian Russell, Chair of the Molly Rose Foundation. Reflecting on the loss of his daughter Molly and his ongoing advocacy efforts, Ian challenged attendees to consider whether progress is happening quickly enough to address the risks facing young people online.
The afternoon focused on solutions. Following an update from the United Kingdom’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and a conversation with TikTok Global Youth Council member Tende Amery, experts examined the latest research on children’s digital wellbeing and the impact of technology policy on children’s rights.
During the Forum, Sarah Bean unveiled FOSI’s latest research, Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban, which explored how attitudes toward Australia’s social media restrictions have evolved since implementation.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of balancing protection with participation. Discussions on safety by design, parental support, and video game safety highlighted how thoughtful product design, age-appropriate safeguards, and collaboration across sectors can help create safer online experiences without excluding young people from the digital world.
Stephen Balkam closed the event by thanking speakers, attendees, and partners for their contributions to a day centered on collaboration, evidence, and shared responsibility. While perspectives differed, a common message emerged: protecting children online requires governments, industry, researchers, parents, and young people themselves to work together toward solutions that are both effective and empowering.
Event Highlights

Discussions on the future of online safety policy across Europe, including the DSA, AI Act, and age assurance initiatives
Youth perspectives from Child Focus and TikTok’s Global Youth Council
Fireside conversations with OpenAI, Apple, Ian Russell, Epic Games, and PEGI
Research launch: Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban
Sessions on children’s rights, digital wellbeing, safety by design, and parental support

Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

Register »

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference
2026-11-19 | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, D.C.1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., MD, 20004, United States
Early Bird Registration is Now Open! Click Here to Register.

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety under the theme, The Past, Present, and Future of Online Safety. The conference will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to reflect on two decades of progress and discuss what’s next for online safety.

This year’s agenda will explore a range of topics shaping the landscape including AI, age assurance, youth well-being, new research, legislation, and the partnerships that continue to drive progress across the field. Together, these conversations will examine how we can better support children and families in today’s evolving digital world.

Don’t miss this gathering dedicated to shaping the next chapter of online safety—register now at the Early Bird discounted rate.

For attendees interested in booking accommodations, FOSI has secured a room block at the JW Marriott. Hotel reservations can be made here:
https://book.passkey.com/event/51257794/owner/559/home

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Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

Register »
