DEAR EDITOR:

As a conservative parent, grandparent and veteran who has sworn to protect our nation, I believe it’s time for our state to take a bold step in safeguarding our children’s digital lives. I urge the Ohio legislature to pass legislation requiring parental approval at app stores for teens under 16. This measure is not just necessary; it’s our duty to the next generation and a powerful tool to empower parents in the digital age.

In recent years, we’ve seen the alarming impact of unrestricted access to social media and apps on our youth — along with the challenges of regulating them, including governments that trample on our First Amendment right. Children are facing unprecedented challenges in the digital world, and managing them as parents isn’t getting easier. As parents, we have the right and responsibility to guide our children through these treacherous waters to make sure they can use social media to build community online and learn. App store parental approval gives us the means to do so effectively.

By implementing parental approval, we create a system that empowers parents to protect and guide their children in the digital realm. This approach allows us to review and approve each app via Apple’s App Store or Google Play before it’s downloaded, enabling us to make educated choices about the content our children access. It’s not about blanket restrictions; it’s about customizing our children’s digital experiences based on their maturity levels and our family values. As parents, we gain real-time oversight of the latest apps and trends, keeping us informed about the evolving digital landscape our children navigate.

Several states have recognized this urgent need and taken action. South Dakota legislators are considering proposals to require app store parental approval — which has overwhelming support from parents. Louisiana considered a similar proposal last session. While federal legislation would be ideal for addressing this issue nationwide, we cannot afford to wait for Washington to act. Ohio has the opportunity to lead the nation, setting an example that other states — and eventually,

the federal government — can follow.

Recent attempts to regulate teens’ social media usage have fallen short. Laws that simply impose time limits or content restrictions can be easily circumvented by tech-savvy teens. And frankly we’ve seen enough censorship by big tech and the government on social media. Age-verification systems that rely solely on users’ input are ineffective and only fork over more data to tech companies. Our approach must be simple and must put parents in the driver’s seat.

Requiring parental approval at the app store level creates a robust first line of defense. This method ensures that parents can control which apps their children download, regardless of the platform or device. It empowers us to make informed decisions about our children’s digital experiences without imposing a one-size-fits-all solution. We, as parents, become active participants in our children’s digital lives rather than passive bystanders.

CHRIS SANFORD

2nd vice commander,

American Legion

Jay Wilson Post 112

Madis