As your state senator, I worked hard this year to ensure kids are protected from the harm of social media, and that work is paying off.
Our state took a big step forward this week when Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1408 into law. HEA 1408 restricts children younger than 16 from setting up social media accounts unless their parents or guardians give consent.
If a parent allows their son or daughter to open a social media account, certain algorithms and addictive features will be disabled.
Social media platforms are also required to use reasonable means to estimate the age of account holders and flag accounts for parental consent if they determine a user is younger than 16. If a social media platform violates this law, they will be subject to civil penalties under the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
I had the honor to attend the bill signing along with the family of Fishers native Hailey Buzbee, who tragically lost her life after meeting up with a stranger she met on social media. This legislation sends a clear message that we are going to do everything in our power to protect Hoosier kids online.
This work is just the beginning. I will continue to look for ways to protect kids online and make sure those who attempt to harm them are justly punished.
As always, I encourage constituents to reach out to me with any questions or concerns by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
Left: State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) at the bill signing for House Enrolled Act 1408. Right: Gov. Mike Braun, flanked by the parents of Hailey Buzbee, ceremonially signs HEA 1408 into law.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
