Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07) has introduced the Safer GAMING Act, a bill aimed at increasing parental controls in online video games to protect minors from harmful interactions. The legislation would require creators of interactive online video games—defined as those that connect to the internet and allow user communication—to provide parents with tools to disable chat functions between minors and other users.
The measure applies to video games accessible through websites, mobile apps, or other online platforms. The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing these requirements.
“Many parents are highly cognizant of the fact that online video games can open the door to inappropriate content and malicious actors targeting children,” said Congressman Kean. “Without video game creators embedding protective tools, it can be challenging for families to manage these risks and safeguard their children. My new bill would add critical parental controls, giving parents the option to turn off chat functions and prevent unsafe interactions with adults and strangers.”
Kean currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Protect Children and Teens Online” on December 2, 2025. This hearing will review several proposed measures focused on improving online safety for adolescents interacting with social media, video games, chatbots, and related technologies.
Thomas Kean Jr., who was born in Livingston, New Jersey in 1968 and now lives in Westfield, has represented New Jersey’s 7th congressional district since 2023 after succeeding Tom Malinowski. He previously served in both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature: first in the General Assembly from 2001 to 2003 and then in the Senate from 2008 until 2022. Kean holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.
A copy of the Safer GAMING Act is available HERE.
