(Indianapolis, IN) - A local state lawmaker is working on legislation that would require social media sites to restrict access to children under 16 until they receive verifiable parental consent.

 

State Senator Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores said the proposal builds on a measure he submitted during the last Indiana state legislative session that required websites with pornographic content to verify the age of users.

 

Bohacek said he became aware of the lack of age restrictions on social media sites while crafting the age verification legislation last year.

 

"Most accounts don't require confirmation of a user's age, allowing children of all ages to potentially access all sorts of content that might not be appropriate for them," he said.

 

Bohacek said social media sites can leave children vulnerable to things ranging from bullying to being lured into other “bad situations.”

 

"The rise of social media has expanded communication across the world, but it has also led to increasing concerns regarding children's safety," he said.

 

Bohacek said the proposal is still being developed but he intends to officially file it for consideration during the 2025 legislative session.