Local Groups Aim to Shield Kids from Social Media, AI Risks

Palm Beach nonprofits work to safeguard children's wellbeing in digital age

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:02pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a child's hand reaching out to touch a pulsing, neon-lit neural network, conceptually representing the complex and growing influence of AI technology on young people's lives.Local nonprofits work to safeguard children's wellbeing in the face of emerging AI and social media technologies.Palm Beach Gardens Today

WPBF 25 News reports on local organizations in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida that are working to protect children from the potential dangers associated with excessive social media use and exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Why it matters

As social media and AI become increasingly prevalent in children's lives, concerns have grown over the negative impacts on mental health, privacy, and development. These Palm Beach nonprofits are taking proactive steps to educate families and advocate for policies to shield young people from these emerging risks.

The details

The article highlights the efforts of two local groups - the Palm Beach County Digital Wellness Coalition and the AI Ethics for Families Foundation. These organizations provide resources, workshops, and policy recommendations to help parents, educators, and community leaders understand and mitigate the harms of overexposure to social media and AI for children and teens.

  • The Palm Beach County Digital Wellness Coalition was founded in 2023.
  • The AI Ethics for Families Foundation launched its local chapter in Palm Beach Gardens in 2025.

The players

Palm Beach County Digital Wellness Coalition

A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy technology use and digital literacy among youth in Palm Beach County.

AI Ethics for Families Foundation

A national nonprofit with a local chapter in Palm Beach Gardens that works to educate families on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and advocate for AI policies that protect children.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen firsthand how excessive social media use and exposure to AI can negatively impact a child's mental health, privacy, and overall development. Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices.”

— Sarah Goldstein, Executive Director, Palm Beach County Digital Wellness Coalition

“AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in children's lives, from educational apps to social media algorithms. We have a responsibility to ensure these technologies are developed and deployed ethically to protect the wellbeing of young people.”

— Dr. Amelia Ramirez, Founder, AI Ethics for Families Foundation

What’s next

The Palm Beach County Digital Wellness Coalition plans to host a series of community workshops on digital wellness and media literacy for parents and educators throughout 2026.

The takeaway

As social media and AI become more ingrained in children's daily lives, local organizations in Palm Beach Gardens are taking proactive steps to educate families and advocate for policies that protect young people from the potential harms of excessive technology use and unethical AI applications.