By RYAN MCKEE
As app stores continue to expand, advance, and integrate social features, their potential to contribute to technology dependency among minors also increases. It is far too easy for children to stumble across applications that, despite having in-app restrictions, can really be used by anyone, of any age.
The primary concern with this blatant lack of age-related limitations is the fact that many applications meant for people 18 and older are social media sites. This means that young children can be readily consuming content and messages posted by adults. The US Surgeon General found that almost 95% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 17 use a social media platform, highlighting the need for increased regulation surrounding social media use amongst teenagers.
The App Store Accountability Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Sen. John James (R-MI), aims to address concerns about excessive underage social media use. This legislation would require app stores to provide parents with the ability to approve or reject any application their child wishes to download. By mandating parental review of these applications, the bill offers parents more thorough insight into their children’s online activities and expands the digital safety net.
As former President of the Alaska Young Republican Federation, I cannot help but fear the implications of the exponential rise in social media use in children and teens. Senator Lee said it best, “For too long, app stores and developers have prioritized profits over the safety of our children.”
I am calling on my fellow Alaskans, policymakers and parents alike, to support the App Store Accountability Act and keep our young people safe in their digital explorations.
Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have catered to younger generations since their founding, allowing users as young as 13 years-old to sign up for an account. According to a Gallup poll, American teenagers spend an average of 4.8 hours per day scrolling on social media, meaning that almost one-fourth of the typical day for a teen in the US is used to compare themselves to others and interact with online strangers.
This extensive engagement with social media has raised concerns about its impact on mental health and well-being, prompting discussions around the need for more stringent regulations to protect young users.
Unlike many pieces of legislation proposed in an attempt to regulate technology use, the App Store Accountability act is accepted amongst both policymakers and parents. A recent Morning Consult poll found that 79 percent of parents support a law requiring children 16 years-old and under to get permission from their legal guardians prior to downloading an application. With multiple different parties advocating for full parental control over their children’s actions within app stores, there is no reason that a simple, one-click, app-store-level method of approving or denying a download should not materialize.
The rapid evolution of app stores and social media platforms has heightened minors’ vulnerability to inappropriate content exposure and social media addiction. The App Store Accountability Act is an essential measure addressing these concerns by granting parents greater control over their children’s digital activities.
Age verification and parental approval mechanisms at the app-store-level is the future of child online safety. This legislation not only enhances young users’ safety but also promotes responsible technology use within families. Widespread support for this bill highlights Alaska and America’s collective understanding that stronger digital safeguards are non-negotiable.
Ryan McKee was born in El Salvador and raised in Wasilla. He earned his Bachelors in Political Science from UAA. McKee previously worked as state director for Americans for Prosperity and now works as chief of staff for Sen. Yundt (R-Wasilla) in the Alaska State Legislature.
I agree with this App!! Our youth of today need a more stringent guidance plan in order to help send them on the right path!! It is really sad to know that there are many young people today that lack the guidance of adults to help them get on the right path to improve their lives early on!!
Poorly written article. Tells us nothing about the bill, other than its stated purpose. The link provided gives no more info. “…the ability to approve or reject any application their child wishes to download.”
Parents already have that ability. Parents are responsible for monitoring their kids’ online activity. We don’t need more California-style nanny-state regulations to attempt to force parents to do what they are already supposed to be doing.