The Kids Aren't Alright Online: Building a Safer, Better Internet

A discussion on creating a safer, more private, and vibrant online ecosystem for children and teens.

Expert panels, featuring leaders from industry, advocacy, and academia will explore the effectiveness of current policy proposals and discuss new frameworks that could incentivize technology companies to prioritize the well-being of young users. The event will also feature a presentation of Public Knowledge’s policy recommendations for promoting children’s online safety while protecting privacy and preserving the beneficial aspects of the internet.

Agenda & Speakers

Welcome & Introduction (10:00 a.m.)

  • Chris Lewis, President and CEO, Public Knowledge

Panel I: Making the Internet a Better Place for Everyone (But Especially Children and Teens) (10:15 a.m.)

  • Moderator: Lisa Macpherson, Policy Director, Public Knowledge
  • Shae Gardner, Director of Policy & Research, LGBT Tech
  • Ava Smithing, Director of Advocacy and Operations, Young People's Alliance
  • Marissa Edmunds, State Policy Lead, Family Online Safety Institute

Panel II: Product Design for a Healthier Online Experience (11:30 a.m.)

  • Moderator: Morgan Wilsmann, Policy Analyst, Public Knowledge
  • Pete Chapman, Associate Director, Knight-Georgetown Institute
  • Pamela J. Wisniewski, Director, Socio-Technical Interaction Research Lab
  • Megan Iorio, Senior Counsel and Amicus Director, EPIC

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

Keynote: (1:30 p.m.)

  • Emma Lembke - Director of Gen Z Advocacy, Sustainable Media Center

Paper Presentation: (1:45 p.m.)

  • Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs, Public Knowledge

Paper Response Panel: (2:15 p.m.)

  • Amelia Vance, President, Public Interest Privacy Center
  • Matt Lane, Senior Policy Counsel, Fight for the Future
  • Sydney Saubestre, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Technology Institute
  • Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Advocacy Policy, Common Sense Media

Networking & Reception (3:15 p.m.)

Public Knowledge will provide lunch and host a reception after the event.

Date 
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 10:00am to 4:30pm
Time Zone 
EST
Location 
The Wharf
801 Wharf Street SW
Washington , DC 20024
US