Mansfield Times

State Representative Melanie Miller has introduced new legislation aimed at enforcing age verification when downloading apps. This initiative is designed to boost safety for children under 16 using smartphones.

“Smartphones and the social media world have overexposed our children to risks like inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, and we’ve seen a huge increase in mental health concerns for minors,” explained Representative Miller. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation, to protect children from harmful content, reduce mental health risks, enhance data privacy, and encourage responsible technology use.”

Currently, eight states including Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, New Mexico, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alaska have introduced or passed similar legislation.

Miller's proposal was announced during a press conference with Senator Michele Reynolds. Reynolds, representing Canal Winchester, has introduced Senate Bill 167 as companion legislation. David Mahan from the Center for Christian Virtue, Tony Coder from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and Lt. Brian Steel from the Ohio FOP also highlighted the importance of the measure.

The bill is pending a number and committee assignment.