Empowering Parents: Navigating The Future Of Online Safety For Kids

Parents in the Driver's Seat of Digital Safety

Earlier this year, the Mountain States Policy Center spotlighted existing tools available to help parents keep their children safe on the internet. Instead of relying on government mandates, the study emphasized empowering families to make informed decisions. Today’s tech landscape offers a range of parental controls. Smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and even smart speakers come equipped with features like app limits and adult content filters, giving parents a powerful toolkit to manage their kids' digital experiences.

Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link are just the beginning, allowing parents to set app restrictions and manage device usage hours. Gaming systems such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch provide options to limit screen time and control spending, tailored for age-appropriate content. Even smart devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest, include filters and purchase approvals, proving that parents have all they need to maintain safety.

Policy and Protection: Striking the Right Balance

Shifting from tools to policy, NetChoice is broadening the conversation with its "Digital Safety Shield 2025" report, which outlines how policymakers can assist families without crossing constitutional limits. Recommendations include supporting law enforcement, enhancing digital literacy in schools, and developing a national privacy standard for families. "We need solutions that respect parenting choices while also addressing root problems," stated a spokesperson for NetChoice.

“We need solutions that respect parenting choices while also addressing root problems.”

Meanwhile, the Kids Online Safety Act, although well-intentioned, raises concerns about potential censorship and excessive government oversight. By granting state attorneys general extensive enforcement powers, it risks letting political forces dictate digital content, possibly leading to overly intrusive age-verification systems.

Building a Framework for the Future

In lieu of such sweeping measures, NetChoice advocates for bolstering law enforcement to target online predators through initiatives like the Invest in Child Safety Act. This would create a new office within the Department of Justice dedicated to combating child exploitation.

Additionally, a federal privacy law could standardize protections across the country, ensuring all citizens can access and control their data. Companies would be required to seek consent before selling personal data, with specific protections for sensitive information, such as children’s data. These initiatives aim to empower parents, equip lawmakers, and preserve constitutional freedoms, fostering a safer online environment for children.