INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted visited Northeast Ohio on Thursday afternoon to address the Social Media Parental Notification Act.
During the presser, Husted discussed the Social Media Parental Notification Act, which is included in the Executive Version of the State Operating Budget.
Husted was joined by the following at the press conference, which took place at the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio in Independence:
- Tim and Tamia Woods: Parents of James Woods
- State Representative Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County)
- Bruce Zuchowski: Portage County Sheriff
- Dr. Bob Mengerink: Superintendent, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio
"I think some of the additional things we can talk about is strengthening the verification process," said Husted. "I think that we can talk about putting filters and controls on the landing page, making it easier for parents at the moment their children sign up to put those controls in place and give parents their own passcode."
3News streamed the full press conference from Husted, which can be viewed below:
The proposal would require certain online companies to obtain verified parental consent before permitting kids ages 16 and under to use their platforms.
Apps that would require parental consent from those under age include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat.
"I think there probably needs to be more than just what we're talking about. But we got to open that conversation. We've got to force these companies to the table. They're making money off of our kids. They're collecting data on them. They're putting harmful addictive algorithms on there and not doing anything in return to protect them. They need to step up and be responsible," Husted said.
Tim and Tamia Woods spoke at the press conference after they lost their son, Streetsboro High School senior James Woods, in November. James tragically died of suicide, but days following his death, his mom and dad learned he had been a victim of "sextortion."
"We lost our everything. We have no reason to stand here because our son is gone, or so they thought. We gonna keep fighting," said Tamia Woods.
Now, his parents are working to inform the public of how to combat the problem of sextortion.
"Parents you have the privilege to know what sextortion was. We, unfortunately, had to find out after our son's death. Please don't question why they have done something so stupid. We all have. Talk to them. Make them aware of what these people are doing to them and give them tools to succeed. We are doing that here today so you can guide your children through their mistakes as well have as parents," said Tamia Woods.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Nov. 23, 2022.
10TV Web Staff contributed to this report.