Recent discussions among lawmakers highlight the increasing risks of identity theft and mental health issues facing minors in the digital age. A report indicates that youth are 35 to 51 times more likely to become victims of identity theft compared to adults. Schools are particularly vulnerable, with a significant amount of sensitive information, including social security numbers and credit card details, stored within their systems. A 2023 Sophos study revealed that 80% of lower education providers and 79% of higher education providers experienced ransomware attacks in the past year, a notable increase from 56% and 64%, respectively, in 2022. Lawmakers are advocating for the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act to hold Big Tech accountable for the mental health crisis among children, which they attribute to social media's influence. Concerns were also raised about the potential for child identity theft as more sensitive information is stored online, with one lawmaker emphasizing that the current focus on digital safety is insufficient.