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Contributed commentary by the Executive Director of the Black Americans United for Tennessee, Walter Blanks Jr.
Every child deserves a fair shot at success in life. However, when they become victims of dangerous and inappropriate online content at such young and impressionable ages, their whole lives can shift in an instant. It is time for that to change. The App Store Accountability Act will be the difference and help ensure parents can give their children a future full of opportunities.
As the executive director of Black Americans United for Tennessee, a group of Black conservatives committed to faith, family and freedom, we strongly support school choice in Tennessee. Why? Because children succeed when parents are empowered to make the best decisions for them. Why should our children’s online safety be any different? It shouldn’t.
Parents should be able to decide – at the app store level – whether or not the content their children engage with online is appropriate. The App Store Accountability Act supports families by requiring parents of teens under 16 to approve of all apps a child wishes to download onto their device. This is a commonsense solution that builds healthy online habits and protects parental liberties.
Families succeed when we empower parents. Black Americans United for Tennessee supports the reintroduction and passage of the App Store Accountability Act by Sen. Mike Lee and Congressman John James. Congress should too, including our Tennessee federal delegation. Let’s work together to empower parents to have more control over the digital content their children can access via app stores.
Walter Blanks Jr.