WASHINGTON—Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million activists nationwide, including thousands of Nebraskans, released the following statement from Director of State Advocacy Catherine Gunsalus praising the Nebraska Legislature’s passage of LB 1092, a bill that protects children from harmful content by requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages:
“Obscene content meant only for adults can have dangerous impacts on kids, leading to mental health challenges and increased risk of online addiction. LB 1092 supports parents and protects Nebraska’s children from exploitative websites that knowingly distribute adult content without age verification.
“Heritage Action commends the Nebraska Legislature for holding tech companies and adult websites accountable by passing LB 1092. We urge Governor Pillen to stand up for the kids in his state and sign the bill.”
A large body of research indicates a strong link between excessive social media use and serious negative health consequences for children. Kids who spend hours per day on social media are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Heritage Action supports holding social media and other Big Tech companies accountable for selling users’ personal data, failing to safeguard minors from exploitation, and knowingly designing addictive features.
BACKGROUND:
The Heritage Foundation: Hold Big Tech Accountable
The Daily Signal: Congress: Stop Expecting Big Tech to Protect Kids Unless You Make Them
The Heritage Foundation: Social Media Is Hurting Kids, but a Fix May Be on Horizon