Home - Maryland Kids Code

75% of the top social media platforms use AI to recommend children's profiles to strangers.

Of the top 100 free apps for kids in Google Play 1 in 3 have banner ads, including ads for adult content.

81% of 14 to 22-year-olds say they used social media either "daily" or "almost constantly."

Kids and teens deserve online platforms designed for them.

Every day children are using a digital world that is designed by and for adults, where they are nudged to give up their privacy, offered harmful material, and exposed to risky contacts and behaviors. While we test cribs and car seats and put nutrition labels on foods, the internet has never had product safety testing for children and teens. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Bold landmark legislation in the Age Appropriate Design Code, otherwise known as the “Kids Code,” has already gone into effect in the UK and produced meaningful changes from Big Tech companies to protect kids and teens online by design and by default. The legislation has already been signed into law in California and passed the Maryland House of Delegates last year. Maryland now has the opportunity this session to pass this legislation and lead the nation in protecting kids online.

What is the Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC)?

The Maryland Age Appropriate Design Code passed the House of Delegates 112-24 on March 20, 2023, and nearly passed the Senate before being challenged by lobbyists representing tech companies and trade associations. The AADC will be introduced again for the 2024 legislative session.

The Kids Code would require privacy by design and default, and it would require online products and services reasonably likely to be accessed by children and teens under 18 to be age appropriate and designed in kids’ best interests. While Big Tech attempts to fight the AADC with infinite resources and lawsuits, legislators and civil society organizations are continuing to prioritize kids’ safety and wellbeing online.

Parents, youth, medical professionals, partner organizations, join us in fighting for a better online future.

Add your name to support the Maryland Kids Code

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Video Testimonials

Andrew, Young person from MD

Christine McComas, Mother from MD

Alexander Miles, Entrepreneur from MD

Dr. Justin Lowenthal, Doctor from MD

Quotes from Marylanders

“This bill, if introduced a year ago, could’ve been the stakeholder that shielded me from the abuses of social media misconduct that was beyond my control, and would’ve hampered the media’s allowance of bullying. I could’ve been able to smile one more minute instead of being left to wonder if life is even worth living.”

Young person from MD

“I wish there were an easy fix to keeping these social media companies accountable. If there was a big red button to erase the current social media apps and make better ones catering to students’ mental health, I would press it in a heartbeat. Most people my age would too – but we can’t get rid of it, so we need to learn how to deal with it. By supporting this legislation, Maryland will help set the standard for online child and teen safety, and set simple, greater privacy settings as the default, which is proven to be effective. Design Code regulations have already been approved in the UK and California; we ought to have the same safeguards.”

Young person from MD

“My 16 year old daughter is in recovery from anorexia, anxiety, and self harm. I have no doubt that this was in no small part fueled by toxic social media.”

Parent from Takoma Park, MD

“My daughter is suffering from depression due to social media.”

Parent from, Catonsville, MD

“Social media can lead to eating disorders. It did it to my daughter.”

Parent from, Germantown, MD

“My 19 year old daughter faced so much bullying and self image issues because of social media. She survived, but it was horrible.”

Maryland Parent

“I am a pediatrician. I witness the horrible effects social media is having on our children everyday.”

Physician in Ellicott City, MD

“I teach high school. I too often see the negative impact of social media on our children.”

Teacher from Ijamsville, MD

“I nearly lost my daughter to suicide at 14. Her depression and anxiety took over her life. Her eating disorder had her hospitalized and we are blessed that she is alive now as an adult.”

Parent from Severn, MD