National & Minnesota Report
As our lives become increasingly digital, we need a balanced approach to children’s online safety—one that ensures both protection and access to digital resources. While online platforms are essential for education, career development, and social connection, the current safety measures create significant challenges for families.
The core problem lies in how safety measures are scattered across different platforms. Parents must navigate multiple systems, each with its own controls and verification methods. This fragmented approach not only creates hassles but also puts family privacy at risk by spreading sensitive information across many platforms.
A better solution would be to combine parental controls at the app store level. This unified system would make things easier for all families, especially those with busy schedules or less tech experience. Parents would have one simple control panel while their children maintain access to important online resources.
The technology for this solution already exists. What’s missing is the legislative action to make it happen. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a system that works for families from all backgrounds.
We need federal action to replace our patchwork of safety measures with one cohesive system. App store-level controls would create an environment where safety and accessibility work together, giving families the confidence to navigate the digital world.