As a mom of two unique and inquisitive children, I’ve seen how powerful digital tools can be for our kids’ education and identity development. That’s why we founded Parent Support for Online Learning in 2020. Since then, more than 7,000 parents, teachers, and advocates have joined our community to help children succeed in online learning. But with that amazing opportunity comes risk—and it’s time we do something about it.
The truth is, the internet can be a dangerous place for children. Kids today face a flood of harmful content, online predators, and the mental health impacts of too much social media. Parents are doing their best, but the online world moves fast, and it often feels like we’re one step behind.
And it’s an even greater challenge for a parent of a LGBTQ child. It means constantly balancing their need to find community and resources online with keeping them safe from harmful content. We all want our children to have access to supportive spaces where they can see themselves reflected and connect with others who share their experiences, while still being protected from inappropriate content and predatory behavior. This delicate balance is one that many parents of LGBTQ youth struggle with daily.
That’s why we support Assembly Bill 1043, introduced by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks. This bill gives parents more tools and more say in what their kids are exposed to online. It’s a smart, straightforward way to help keep children safe while they learn, play, and grow in digital spaces.
One of the most important parts of the bill is a new rule that would require parental consent at the app store level for kids under 16. That means if a child wants to download an app—like a social media platform—the parent would have to approve it first. No more sneaky downloads or harmful content slipping through the cracks.
Unlike many other proposals to rein in big tech, this one actually protects privacy and the user’s experience while preserving access to important online communities. Parents won’t have to enter sensitive data into dozens of sites and apps—just once at the app store level. And after parents approve an app, teens can fully utilize these digital spaces to learn and build community. This is particularly important for LGBTQ youth who may rely on these online spaces to explore their identity, find resources, and connect with others, especially if they’re not out or don’t have supportive families at home.
Assemblywoman Wicks said it best: “This bill is about giving parents more control, and helping kids access the benefits of technology without being subjected to the harms.” I couldn’t agree more. Our kids should be able to enjoy the good parts of the internet—learning tools, creative platforms, and safe social connections—without being exposed to the dark side of it.
Right now, the rules around online safety are a mess. Every state has different laws, and tech companies often make it hard for parents to understand or use their privacy settings. AB 1043 would standardize age checks and safety measures across platforms, so parents don’t have to guess what’s working and what’s not.
What sets this legislation apart from competing approaches is that it doesn’t block important content or require excessive data collection. This thoughtful solution strikes the right balance, giving parents the tools to protect their children while still allowing teens to access the online communities that have been so vital to their development and well-being.
Some critics may argue this puts too much pressure on tech companies. But I believe we should expect more from the platforms that profit from our children’s attention. As Senator Tom Umberg, the bill’s co-author, put it: “The stakes are high—kids are being harmed. It’s time we hold tech companies accountable for building safe platforms.”
This bill isn’t about banning apps or keeping kids offline—it’s about making sure online spaces are designed with safety in mind. It’s about giving all types of families peace of mind and protecting our children as they grow up in a digital world. The need is urgent, and the time to act is now. We urge lawmakers to support Assembly Bill 1043 and take a big step toward a safer online future for all California families.
About the Author: Tillie Elvrum is a mother of two and co-founder of Parent Support for Online Learning. She has dedicated her professional life helping students and their families find success in the online learning environment. To learn more, please visit: https://parents4support.com/
