Bill would make it a federal crime to manipulate children into self-harm or violence

What does this do?

S 3397 creates a new federal crime for adults who use threats, blackmail, fraud, humiliation, or manipulation to coerce a minor into attempting suicide, killing someone, harming a person or animal, committing arson, or carrying out doxxing or swatting attacks. The law applies even when the adult uses another person as an intermediary. Doxxing refers to posting someone's personal information online to harass them; swatting means making a fake emergency call to send a SWAT team to someone's home.

Who does it affect?

The bill most directly affects children targeted online by adults seeking to manipulate them into dangerous or violent actions. It also affects parents, schools, law enforcement, and tech companies, which would face expanded duties to report this new category of offense.

Why does it matter?

Adults convicted of coercing a child into attempted suicide or killing another person could face life in prison, while other covered offenses carry a maximum sentence of 30 years. Technology companies already required to report child exploitation material would have additional reporting obligations under the expanded system.

Where does it stand?