By Wes Harlan, State Politics Reporter

A new statewide poll released by First 5 California reveals that an overwhelming majority of California parents support requiring app stores to obtain parental approval before children and teens can download apps, including social media platforms.

The poll, conducted by David Binder Research, surveyed 1,150 likely November 2026 voters, including an oversample of 350 parents with children under 18. Among parents, 89% support centralized parental approval requirements through app stores. The data shows broad agreement across political lines, with 86% of Democratic parents, 85% of Republican parents, and 77% of independents in favor. Support was high throughout the state, reaching 94% in the Sacramento and Central Valley region.

“California’s children are growing up in an online world with no guardrails, leaving them vulnerable to cyberbullying, sextortion, mental health struggles and more. This is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), who recently introduced AB 1043 – The Digital Age Assurance Act – alongside co-sponsor Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana).

The bill would require app stores to provide a built-in parental approval mechanism for minors attempting to download apps, centralizing oversight through the app store rather than through each individual app.

The idea is gaining traction with parents, 84% of whom say they would find it easier to approve or deny apps from one location instead of managing settings separately for every platform. Only 16% preferred the decentralized approach.

Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California, emphasized the developmental risks posed by unregulated app access.

“Physiological, psychological, and socioemotional effects are urgent threats to the healthy development of California’s youngest children,” said Wong. “Children can be exposed to those threats online through platforms without guardrails. At First 5 California, we are committed to raising awareness among parents and caregivers about the threats their children face and ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to foster safe, stable, and nurturing environments where children can heal, grow, and thrive.”

The poll was conducted May 12–15, 2025, in both English and Spanish. David Binder Research, known for its expertise in California public opinion, administered the survey. The findings provide strong political momentum for AB 1043 as lawmakers and advocates push for greater digital protections for youth in the face of growing online threats.