ATLANTA (March 5, 2026) — Georgia has been named a “Rising Star” in the Childhood Index, a newly released national ranking from the Anxious Generation Movement that evaluates how well states are protecting children and supporting healthy childhood development in the digital age. Georgia earned the Rising Star designation for its growing efforts to address the impact of online platforms on young people and to create healthier environments for children both online and in school.
The recognition follows the work of the Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Effects of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children, co-chaired by Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) and Majority Caucus Chair Sen. Shawn Still (R–Suwanee). The bipartisan committee heard testimony from researchers, parents, educators and technology experts about how social media and digital platforms are affecting children’s mental health, safety and development.
Several bills introduced this legislative session grew out of the committee’s recommendations, including:
- Senate Bill 495: Requires online platforms used by minors to default to the highest privacy settings and restrict addictive design features that encourage compulsive use.
- Senate Bill 488: Applies Georgia’s product-liability laws to generative AI systems marketed to minors.
- House Bill 1009: Extends Georgia’s school cellphone restrictions to high school students, creating distraction-free learning environments throughout the school day.
“Kids deserve a childhood filled with friendships, play, and real-world experiences, not one dominated by addictive technology,” said Sen. Harrell. “Georgia’s recognition as a Rising Star shows we’re beginning to take the responsibility seriously to protect children online and give families more control. When the federal government fails to act, states must step into the breach. This recognition shows that Georgia can be a leader in protecting kids online. When we make technology safer by design, we give children the space they need to grow, learn and thrive.”
The Childhood Index reviews policies across all 50 states designed to safeguard kids online and promote healthier childhood experiences offline. The Anxious Generation Movement, inspired by the bestselling book, promotes policies that help restore healthier childhood experiences in the digital age.
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Sen. Sally Harrell represents the 40th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7871 or by email at Sally.Harrell@senate.ga.gov.
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