OUR KIDS
These are our children’s stories.
May they be the catalyst to create lasting change and prevent further online harms.
Alexander “Alex” Peiser, 17
Alex was 17 years old when he died by suicide after he was influenced by anonymous users online. Alex was a fun, sensitive kid who was active in Boy Scouts, theater, band and his church youth group. He had good grades in school.
“Increased content moderation through policies like KOSA could have mitigated the risks to my son's mental health. It was, and still is, inconceivable to me that pro-suicide content, clearly against the platform's policies, remains online.”
HANAHAN, SC
— Sharon Winkler, Alex’s mom
Andrew & Stephen Riviere, 21 and 19
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Andrew was 21 and Stephen was 19 when they died from fentanyl poisoning alongside each other after experimenting with Oxycodone pills bought from an online drug dealer. The brothers were close to each other and lived and worked together. Andrew loved to make people laugh by doing goofy things. He was a mad scientist and enjoyed doing experiments. He was also great with his hands and an avid guitarist. Stephen was an academically and athletically gifted kid. After graduating from high school with an excellent record, he would have been a sophomore at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS).
“I share my boys’ story openly to help protect our vulnerable and impressionable youth and to prevent other families from suffering unimaginable loss. Our government needs to help parents ensure that our kids, regardless of their age, are protected online from drug dealers and other predators. Social media companies must be held accountable for their actions and for allowing these devastating harms on their platforms. Congress needs to do the right thing and pass KOSA before more kids lose their lives.”
— Matt Riviere, Andrew and Stephen’s dad
Becca Schmill, 18
Becca was 18 when she died of fentanyl poisoning from drugs she purchased through a social media platform. Becca was a kind, caring person with a gift for making those around her feel loved and appreciated.
“I advocate for KOSA because in no other industry would a company be allowed to provide a product or service to children that gives them access to illicit drugs, pornography, predators, dangerous challenges and the ability to harm each other in the most public, permanent and humiliating ways, which too often has led to suicide.”
NEEDHAM, MA
— Deb Schmill, Becca’s mom
David Molak, 16
David was 16 when he died by suicide after months of relentless and threatening cyberbullying. In the year leading up to David’s death, he was addicted to internet gaming and social media which caused anxiety and depression. David was an excellent basketball player who had an amazing recollection of sports stats. He was a fantasy football fanatic and never passed up an opportunity to dominate his family in Monopoly.
“KOSA is needed because I know that screen addiction, social media and online gaming overuse is tearing the fabric of many families apart. It is often pitting parents against children and children against parents. Just like it did in my family.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX
— Maurine Molak, David’s mom
Erik Robinson, 12
Erik was 12 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Choking Game” (nowadays popularly known as the “Blackout Challenge”) just one day after learning about it. Erik was actively engaged in life at school, in Boy Scouts, and baseball. He had definitive plans for the future, including already corresponding with West Point’s admissions department to ensure he would meet their physical fitness requirements when the time came to apply.
“Through whistleblowers and congressional hearings it has become overwhelmingly clear that Big Tech companies do not care at all about the effects of their products on kids. They are simply incapable of policing themselves because it cuts into their billion-dollar profits, so Congress has a responsibility to police them by passing KOSA.”
SANTA MONICA, CA
— Judy Rogg, Erik’s mom
Ethan Burke Van Lith, 13
Ethan was 13 when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge.” Ethan was always the happiest kid in the room and the brightest light in any situation. Any challenge excited him: from jumping off a high rock into the water to bouncing on a pogo stick while riding his scooter simultaneously.
“I 100% advocate for KOSA because if it would have been in place earlier, my child might still be here.”
SAMMAMISH, WA
— Jeff Van Lith, Ethan’s dad
Grace Katherine McComas, 15
Grace was 15 years old when she died by suicide after being viciously cyberbullied and threatened on Twitter, then sexually harassed and bullied by her school peers. Grace was a wonderful human being who was well-loved. She was a bright light from birth, bouncing and happy, and grew into a deeply kind and gregarious teen with a great sense of humor. Grace was active in school activities including sports, music, and community service.
“I advocate for KOSA because I believe it will protect American children from the heartache and abuse our child endured and hopefully spare future families and communities the devastation of child loss. Online hatred and vitriol repeatedly aimed at anyone would be upsetting, but for a child, amplified in an instant to entire peer groups, it is deeply damaging. Grace should still be here, and I believe she would be had she not been abused over social media or if there had been some way to make it stop.”
WOODBINE, MD
— Christine McComas, Grace’s mom
Griffin “Bubba” McGrath, 13
Griffin was 13 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge.” Griffin was an extraordinary and wickedly smart child. He placed third in the National Science Bowl competition just two weeks before he passed. Most of all he was a kind-hearted soul and touched everyone he met with his brilliance, genuineness, and quick wit.
“Not a single social media regulation has been passed in 25 years. Despite the innovation and growth of the Internet and social media over that time, protective measures and legislation have remained static. It is inexcusable and unconscionable, period. KOSA is long overdue. These new regulations are guaranteed to save children’s lives and I believe would have saved my son's life.”
MADISON, WI
— Annie McGrath, Griffin’s mom
Jack McDonough, 18
Jack was 18 when he died by fentanyl poisoning after taking a Percocet laced with the lethal substance that he procured from an online dealer on Facebook. Jack was an adventurous, outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed fishing with his friends and working on cars with his Dad. Jack was a kind and loving son, a true “giver,” and made himself available to help anyone in need.
“Jack was a kind and loyal person who brought joy to everyone around him. But like too many kids, he was exposed to a dangerous world online. A single counterfeit pill bought on social media ended his life, and that’s not a burden that should ever be placed on a family to carry. Big Tech companies are failing our children, and Congress must pass the Kids Online Safety Act and finally prioritize our children’s safety.”
GREEN BAY, WI
— Carrie Harrison, Jack’s mom
Jordan DeMay, 17
Jordan was 17 when he died by suicide after he was after he was sextorted by an online predator posing as a teenager on Instagram. Jordan was a driven young athlete whose love for sports basketball and football reflected his deep bonds with his friends, teammates, and community. He was a fierce leader on and off the field, and was known for his compassionate spirit, great smile, and fluffy hair. He loved his family and the water, and inspired those around him.
“We’re in this fight for KOSA because our utmost responsibility as survivor parents is to help kids, parents, schools and law enforcement understand the far-reaching impact of online sextortion. Big Tech companies like Meta will never prioritize our kids’ safety over their profit margins on their own volition. We hope that our advocacy will compel Congress to act and rein in Big Tech to ensure that no other family has to bear the devastating loss of a precious child.”
MARQUETTE, MI
— John DeMay, Jordan’s dad
Jack Servi, 16
Jack was 16 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge.” He broadcast his challenge on Snapchat while his friends watched the video of him choking and dying alone. Jack had an infectious smile and loved to make people laugh. His hobbies included building computers and working on motorized bicycles, as well as playing video games.
“I support reformation of internet technologies to safeguard the lives of our children. Too many of our kids are dying and there’s no regulation on content. The Internet grows rapidly. It is truly the wild wild west for children.”
FORT ATKINSON, WI
— Michelle Servi, Jack’s mom
Levi Maciejewski, 13
Levi was 13 when he died after being sextorted online by a predator who coerced, threatened, and blackmailed him into ending his life. Levi was a devoted son and brother who brought light to the lives of everyone around him. He was unapologetically himself — a confident athlete, a leader on and off the field, an avid outdoorsman, a proud patriot, and an honest friend. In the wake of his passing, Levi’s family has worked to raise awareness about the dangers of online harms and the urgent need for stronger protections for kids online.
“Levi didn’t die because of a mistake — he died because a predator used a social media platform and device to manipulate and terrorize him, and there were no guardrails to stop it or even slow it down. That failure reflects years of disregard from tech companies and inaction by our elected leaders. If Big Tech won’t fix it themselves, Congress must. The Kids Online Safety Act would give parents like me a fighting chance.”
SIPPENSBURG, PA
— Tricia Maciejewski, Levi’s mom
Mason was 15 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the viral social media “Choking Challenge.” Mason was a normal teen who went to a good school, had great friends, and lived a healthy lifestyle. He was generous, kind, spiritual, and loved deeply. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, woodworking, and entertaining his friends and family with his witty humor.
“The unregulated tech industry currently has no incentive to apply the safety features necessary to save young lives. As long as Big Tech relies on pushing extreme content and luring young users with design features that take advantage of our children’s vulnerabilities, families across the country will continue to experience tragedies. KOSA will allow parents and young users to opt out of algorithms that feed them unsolicited harmful content.”
Mason Bogard, 15
EVANSVILLE, IN
— Joann Bogard, Mason’s mom
Matthew E. Minor, 12
Matthew was 12 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge. Matthew was loving, compassionate, and a big hugger with a charismatic personality. Matthew was active in martial arts, football, and basketball. He cherished his time at family gatherings at the family farm in Tappahannock, Virginia.
“If the Kids Online Safety Act had been in place, we believe this tragedy would not have happened to our family. We strongly support the passing of KOSA so that the tragic events that forever changed our family’s life do not happen to other children and families.”
ACCOKEEK, MD
— Todd and Mia Minor, Matthew’s parents
Max Osterman, 18
Max was 18 when he died from fentanyl poisoning after a Snapchat drug dealer sold him counterfeit Percocet laced with the deadly substance. Max was a warm and loving young man who brought great pleasure to all who entered his circle and advocated for those in need. He lettered in lacrosse, wrestling, and football, and was a great friend, teammate, and classmate.
“Max was a bright and kind young man who brought joy to those around him. It’s unthinkable that these online platforms have features that allow dangerous activities to go unchecked. We need the Kids Online Safety Act to hold them accountable and protect other families from experiencing such a devastating loss.”
THORNTON, CO
— Kimberly Osterman, Max’s mom
McKenna Brown, 16
McKenna was 16 when she died by suicide after being cyberbullied on social media. She was a gifted high school senior who had a way of making every person she encountered feel like they were the most important person in the room. McKenna had many future plans, including college hockey, flag football, and travel. She cared infinitely, was fiercely loyal, and always saw the good in everyone around her.
“I truly believe that if KOSA had been in place, McKenna would still be alive today. Social media platforms must be held accountable for creating an environment that encourages and even perpetuates online harms like cyberbullying. The time for change is NOW!”
TAMPA BAY, FL
— Cheryl Brown, McKenna’s mom
Morgan Pieper, 16
Morgan was 15 when she died by suicide after social media use exacerbated her mental health. Morgan was a smart, funny, charismatic teenager and lived life with passion.. An animal lover, Morgan was enrolled in the marine science program at her high school and planned to become a marine biologist.
“I know that sharing Morgan’s story will shed light on the fact that change and accountability should have come years ago. So, I'll continue to speak as long as I can for Morgan, and for heartbroken survivor parents who have been waiting nearly a decade for accountability. Congress must pass KOSA and protect kids.”
MARSHFIELD, WI
— Kris Cahak, Morgan’s mom
Owen Zimmer, 17
Owen was 17 when he died by suicide after he was influenced by online users. Owen was deeply loved by his family, friends, and many others. He had a passion for sports, especially football, and played the guitar and drums. He had a keen interest in world history and wanted to be a historian. Owen was proficient with technology and a skilled coder and had built a gaming computer with his grandfather.
“I am advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want another parent to experience the pain of losing a child, especially to preventable online harms. Congress has a rare chance to do the right thing, and they must. They must protect our children.”
WARWICK, RI
— Amanda Meyer-Zimmer, Owen’s mom
Selena Rodriguez, 11
Selena was 11 years old when she died by suicide after battling extreme social media addiction and being sexually exploited online. Selena was a free spirit, described as “the human form of sunshine.”
“I continue to be Selena's voice because someone needs to be. I am in this fight because it is the right thing to do for future generations. Our kids should be able to access the internet without being subject to Big Tech’s exploitative algorithms.”
ENFIELD, CT
— Tammy Rodriguez, Selena’s mom
Walker was 16 years old when he died by suicide after he was sextorted by an anonymous online predator on Instagram. Walker was a well adjusted teenager with a great social circle. He had no depression or social problems at all.
“There need to be guidelines for tech companies to protect children. Without mandated rules, criminals will continue to leverage the platforms to commit crimes.”
Walker Montgomery, 16
STARKVILLE, MS
— Brian Montgomery, Walker’s dad
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