The State of America’s Kids and Families Unveiled At Common Sense Media Summit
In a pivotal gathering aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation’s children and families, Common Sense Media hosted its Summit on America's Kids and Families. Convening a powerful coalition of youth leaders, educators, researchers, policymakers, and experts, including Hilary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Sam Altman, and GIANT Room CEO Azi Jamalian, stakeholders united at this summit to tackle the most pressing challenges facing today's youth.
Throughout the summit, voices from various sectors echoed the importance of prioritizing mental health education and fostering community connections to promote growth and resilience among the country’s youth. The summit also emphasized the necessity of amplifying youth voices and providing them with the tools to effect meaningful societal change.
One of the significant announcements at the summit was the revealing of a groundbreaking partnership between Common Sense Media and OpenAI, aimed at educating families about AI and curating kid-friendly AI options. This partnership underscores the growing importance of understanding and integrating AI into education and daily life, as parents and educators grapple with its implications.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasized the transformative potential of AI as a tool for societal advancement. Rejecting the notion that AI is harmful to children, Altman highlighted the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to navigate emerging technologies effectively. Altman emphasized, "Humans are tool users, and we better teach people to use the tools that are going to be out in the world.” He even added that “AI is the new way of doing MOST things now.”
Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, highlighted the critical importance of addressing challenges around youth mental health, social media influence, and the lack of optimism about the future. Millions of parents are seeking guidance on navigating these complex issues, making the summit's insights invaluable.
A poignant moment at the summit came with the presentation of the Marian Wright Edelman Award for Leadership in Child Advocacy to Geoffrey Canada, CEO of Harlem's Children Zone. Canada's moving reflections stressed the urgency of advocating for the needs of children and families, which takes feats of strength. He opened his acceptance speech with a grin, citing the fact that his wife was more impressed with this award than the title he earned as the 12th most important person in Forbes Magazine. He concluded with a reading of his poem “Take a Stand”, which was written as an ode to Marian Wright Edelman during the 1996 Stand For Children’s March in DC around the Lincoln Memorial.
Throughout the summit, compelling soundbites resonated with attendees, providing insights into key themes and concerns. Angela Blackwell Golden emphasized the importance of equitable opportunities for all youth, stating, "They (the children) were kept behind, not left behind." Attendees were also directed to "look beyond the data and talk to kids," emphasizing the importance of understanding the lived experiences of youth.
Addressing critical public health concerns, Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, highlighted the detrimental effects of loneliness, in part produced by the isolation of screens and devices, noting its higher mortality rate compared to smoking and obesity. He stressed the importance of community connections in fostering economic health and resilience.
Former Senator and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton offered a thought-provoking theory on why children may not receive adequate attention in policymaking, emphasizing their lack of inherent political power.
The Common Sense Summit on America's Kids and Families served as a catalyst for action and advocacy. As the summit concluded, the collective call to action was clear: to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the well-being and future prospects of America's children and families. With the insights gained and partnerships forged at the Common Sense Summit, there is renewed hope in the collective efforts to ensure a brighter future for all American children and families.
Read more about The GIANT Room panel discussion at The Common Sense Media Summit