As technology has evolved over the past 25 years, minors are more at risk for the harm of age-inappropriate online materials. Over 80% of American families are concerned about what their children access on the internet, regardless of their political leanings. Protecting children from harmful and inappropriate internet materials should be a top priority for Alabama lawmakers. This issue has received increased attention in recent legislative sessions as policymakers work to address the growing risks associated with digital access and online platforms.

Requiring cell phone manufacturers to implement filters that automatically block pornographic material is a viable tool for families; the filter should come preset on all cell phones and tablets sold in Alabama. For adults, this filter could be turned off after activation, but having a default filter in place would help shield minor children from accidental exposure to inappropriate material. The Alabama Legislature has taken steps in this direction through the passage of HB161 (2026), the App Store Accountability Act, which strengthens parental involvement by requiring age verification and parental consent for minors downloading apps or making purchases. These pieces of legislation are two steps that can be taken to greatly reduce unintended exposure to illicit materials. Parents shouldn’t have to pay for additional services to prevent their children from seeing something they shouldn’t at a young age. Recent legislative action demonstrates that meaningful progress can be made while preserving parental authority.

While legislation does not replace the responsibility of parents to monitor the online activities of children, in today’s technology-centered society it is difficult for even the most dedicated parents to know what their children are doing online at all times. Making the activation of already existing phone and device filters mandatory does not increase the burden placed on manufacturers and telecommunications companies, nor does it stop parents from turning those filters off if they wish to allow their child unfettered internet access. It is a simple solution that could improve the online safety of Alabama’s children. Additional policy tools may build on recent legislative efforts to further strengthen protections. Parents must have the ability to decide what their children do or do not have access to and should be able to monitor all of their children’s online activities.

Lawmakers have also begun addressing child development concerns through legislation such as the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act (2026), which establishes guidelines for screen exposure in early childhood education settings.

During recent legislative sessions, Alabama has also strengthened criminal penalties for crimes against children, including legislation allowing for the death penalty in certain cases involving the sexual abuse of minors.

These measures reflect a broader effort by state leaders to prioritize the protection of children and impose severe consequences for those who exploit or harm minors.

While such policies may face legal challenges, they underscore the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and deterring the most serious offenses.

Additionally, Alabama’s leaders should pass legislation and enforce the protection of minors from obscene material in libraries and drag shows in public spaces. Drag shows should not be allowed to take place in public spaces that would allow for unintended exposure to children or unaccompanied minors. Similar measures should be taken regarding books that discuss or depict sexually explicit material. These books should be in a clearly defined area of public libraries to prevent accidental exposure to minors. Alabama parents should have the confidence they can take their children to public spaces and libraries without concern that their children will be exposed to inappropriate material at a young age.

The Alabama legislature should pass meaningful legislation that empowers parents to protect their children from inappropriate material, whether it be on a smartphone or in the public sphere. While meaningful steps were taken during the 2026 legislative session, additional reforms remain necessary to ensure comprehensive protection for minors across digital and public environments.