Over the last 25 years, as technology has advanced, there’s been growing concern about minors accessing inappropriate online materials. This issue transcends political lines and emphasizes that safeguarding children online should be a priority for lawmakers in Alabama.

With the introduction of Senate Bill 187, Alabama has a chance to align with other states pushing for regulations that give parents better control over the apps their teens can download.

Whether it’s managing activities at my fitness studio or checking up on practices at the ballpark, parents are looking for a centralized way to oversee app downloads. Alabama could step up to help streamline safety measures within app stores, ensuring that parents and teens don’t have to share personal data across various apps, thus minimizing exposure to harmful content.

Laws, of course, don’t take away the responsibility parents have to supervise their kids’ online activities. Yet it can be pretty challenging for even the most engaged parents to keep a pulse on what their children are doing online. A recent report highlights that 58% of teens aged 13-17 have inadvertently accessed adult content, with 18% of those instances occurring on social media.

It makes sense for the Alabama House of Representatives to back practical measures that bolster online safety for children. For single mothers like myself, having more resources to limit accidental exposure to inappropriate content is crucial. Parents ought to be able to clearly set boundaries regarding what their kids can access and be able to keep tabs on their online behavior.

As a mother of a teenager, I hope to see Congressmen align with the Alabama Senate’s efforts. With strong support, Senate Bill 187 can make its way through, ensuring app stores take on more responsibility and contributing to a safer digital environment for families. Enacting this law is not just a policy move; it’s about empowering parents to shield their children from unsuitable material.