As the legislative session in Alabama draws to a close, legislators and policy experts joined together in a press conference to call on Senate leadership to prioritize a crucial bill aimed at protecting minors from accessing adult content on smartphones and tablets. House Bill 298 (HB298), also known as the Protection of Minors from Unfiltered Devices Act, has garnered significant attention and support from advocates who believe it is essential to safeguard children from early exposure to explicit material. The bill passed the House and now needs a Senate vote.
Sponsored by State Representative Chris Sells (Greenville), HB298 proposes a basic safety measure: requiring manufacturers to activate the existing adult content filters on smartphones and other devices sold in Alabama. By enabling these filters by default, the bill aims to reduce the risk of minors accessing inappropriate material and potentially developing harmful addictions.
ALCAP President and CEO Greg Davis emphasized the importance of taking action to protect children in the digital age. “We’re just asking for us to do something very common sense, and I think it’s a good chance for Alabama to lead the way nationally,” Davis stated.
According to Davis, the early exposure to pornography can lead to addiction, which in turn generates substantial profits for the porn industry. By enabling the filters on devices at the point of purchase, Alabama has the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the country in addressing this moral concern. “The filters should be turned on when you buy one of these devices in this day and time,” Davis emphasized.
Numerous experts and activists have echoed Davis’s sentiments, highlighting the detrimental effects of early pornography exposure on young individuals. Research has shown that early exposure to explicit material can lead to addiction and have lasting psychological and social consequences. Pastors and churches, which often witness the negative impacts of pornography addiction firsthand, have been particularly supportive of the bill. Families seeking help and guidance frequently turn to them in times of crisis.
The Protection of Minors from Unfiltered Devices Act presents an effort to safeguard the well-being of Alabama’s youth. By requiring manufacturers to activate adult content filters by default, the bill seeks to limit the risks associated with unfiltered access to explicit material. Supporters argue that this step not only protects children but also empowers parents and guardians to have greater control over their children’s online experiences.
As the legislative session nears its conclusion, advocates are urging Senate leadership to prioritize this bill and bring it to a vote. By taking swift action, Alabama has the opportunity to become a national leader in protecting minors from the potential harms of early exposure to adult content. As Greg Davis summarized, “This is a moral issue. We should protect our kids.”