COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Tuesday, a judge temporarily blocked Ohio’s new social media law that would have required social media companies to get parents' permission for kids under 16 who want to create a profile on the app.
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said he was disappointed in the judge's decision to block it. He said sometimes social media can have a negative effect on kids' mental health.
“Cyberbullying, sextortion, all kinds of mental health challenges kids face is a result of their addiction to these platforms,” said Husted.
Husted wants parents to be more active in their children's social media lives, and that starts with requiring parental permission for kids to have a social media profile.
“No different than anything else in the lives (of kids) healthcare information, field trip for school, you need mom and dads permission to do it. The same should be true for social media,” he said.
Husted said social media companies want to get around parents, giving anyone access to talking with kids online.
“This is parenting. We have laws in America where children under 18 are under the responsibility of moms and dads,” said Husted.
When it comes to keeping your kid safe online, there are things parents can do.
Joe Smith, a cyber security expert, said to treat the digital world like the real world for your kids.
“Know who they are communicating with and be careful who they are sharing information with,” said Smith.
Smith said make sure your kid is not sharing personal information, such as where they live or go to school, with people they don’t know online.
“Have someone your child knows, loves, trusts, confides in that they can make a mistake online or have a question about something online and let them know,” said Smith.
If your child does come into contact with someone who they shouldn’t be online then Smith said to report it right away.
“Stop communicating with the person who may be causing harm, block the person, report it to internet crimes against children here in Franklin County,” he said.