Nebraska Gov. Pillen makes strong bid to protect kids from tech addiction

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is working with state legislators to pass four bills aimed at protecting children from online abuse and social media addiction.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) is teaming up with lawmakers in the Cornhusker State to protect children against online abuse and the addictive nature of phone apps and online services. Last week state senators introduced four bills at Pillen’s request that take aim at specific aspects of problematic online use.

“These bills will address the addictive nature of social media, prohibit the generation of AI child pornography, restrict the use of phones and electronic devices in schools and require parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts,” Pillen said.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) joined Gov. Pillen in advocating for the measures. “One of the top priorities for our office is protecting children,” Hilgers said. “And right now, some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media, and child sexual abuse material. These bills are necessary to enhance current laws. I am proud to work with Governor Pillen and senators to enact laws that hold those perpetrating harm against our children accountable.”

unpacking the four bills

The four bills have all been formally introduced in the Nebraska Legislature. They are:

• LB 140: To Require School Policies Relating to Use of Electronic Communication Devices by Students

  This bill, sponsored by Sen. Rita Sanders (R-Bellevue), would require each public school board to adopt policies to restrict the use of phones in schools before the start of the next academic year. The bill includes some exceptions to this policy, such as medical needs, emergency situations, educational purposes, or if the child has an individualized education plan.

  Sen. Sanders said: "I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student. By removing electronic communication devices from the classroom, we can create an environment free from distractions, allowing both teachers and students to fully succeed."

• LB 504: The Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act

  This bill, sponsored by Sen. Carolyn Bosn (R-Lincoln), contains several provisions to protect Nebraska’s children from the harms of social media and other online services. The bill requires social media and other online services to include design features that prevent compulsive usage of the product, severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression, severe emotional harm, identity theft, and privacy violations. The Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act also requires these services to provide parents the ability to manage their child’s privacy and account settings and allow parents the ability to restrict the hours of use of these services. Importantly, the bill restricts the ability to send push alerts during hours children are in school or sleeping.

  Bosn said the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act targets social media companies at the design stage.

  “This bill says algorithms shouldn’t track children,” Bosn told the Nebraska Examiner. The legislation puts “the best interests of children over company profits” and would give parents “the ability to have control over the child’s private information through accessible and easy to use tools without undermining the First Amendment.”

• LB 383: The Parental Rights in Social Media Act

  This proposal, sponsored by Sen. Tanya Storer (R-Whitman), requires social media companies to verify parental consent prior to allowing a minor to create a social media account.

  Speaking on the importance of parent’s roles in their children’s social media use, Sen. Storer said, “I am pleased to be introducing the Parental Rights in Social Media Act on behalf of our children, parents and Nebraska. Children today are more anxious, more depressed and inflicting self-harm and at the highest rates ever. Our kids are our most precious resource, and it’s time to take action to protect them in the social media world.”

  “Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced,” Storer added, parental consent “should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm.”

• LB 172: Prohibit Conduct Involving Computer-Generated Child Pornography

  This bill, sponsored by Sen. Brian Hardin (R-Gering), addresses AI-generated and other child pornography created by minors by making such crime a Class III felony. The bill would add “computer-generated child pornography” to the statutes that prohibit child pornography. Adults who violate the act will be guilty of a class 1D felony.

  Speaking on the harms of AI-generated pornography, Sen. Hardin said, “I have spoken with multiple parents who have had their daughter’s photo taken in public, then uploaded to AI platforms to create AI pornography which later was distributed to people the girls knew. This is a devastatingly harmful offense against any young person. Unfortunately, the creation of AI-generated videos or photos featuring minors is not restricted to older, deviant people. It also occurs among young adults disappointed in the end of a relationship and seeking revenge. School superintendents have told me that the problem of students creating AI pornography involving classmates is alive and well in Nebraska and causing harm to its victims. My legislation seeks to address this issue.”

As of Jan. 26, all four bills had been assigned to committee but none had been scheduled for a first hearing. Nebraska legislators are scheduled for a 90-day session this year, with adjournment roughly set for June 9.