Protecting Children in the Digital Age: South Carolina Urge Action Against Online Dangers
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In today’s digital world, South Carolina lawmakers and child advocates say the threats children face are no longer limited to playgrounds or neighborhoods — they’re online, ever-present, and often invisible.
With smartphones, apps, and social media becoming integral to childhood, officials are urging a shift in how the state approaches digital safety. From mental health concerns to child exploitation, the risks are growing, and the call for legislative action is growing louder.
Children Are Now “Digital Natives,” But Online Dangers Are Real
South Carolina leaders warn that while kids are more digitally connected than ever, they’re not necessarily safer.
Senator Katrina Shealy, chair of the state’s Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children, said, “We need to keep children safe in all areas of their lives, including the digital space.” In her statement, Shealy emphasized that South Carolina must lead the way in crafting protective laws that address new and evolving threats children face online.
This includes combating issues like:
- Online grooming and exploitation
- Access to harmful content and pornography
- The rise of mental health problems linked to social media
- Predatory behavior in unregulated digital spaces
Social Media and Pornography Laws Under Review
Shealy and other South Carolina lawmakers have supported bills aiming to restrict access to explicit content and give parents more tools to monitor and protect their children’s online activity.
One such effort is a proposal to limit exposure to online pornography, which some states — including Utah and Arkansas — have already pursued by requiring age verification on certain websites. Advocates argue that children’s access to such content is shaping unhealthy views on relationships and consent.
Lawmakers are also exploring the idea of parental oversight laws for social media, especially in cases where platforms collect behavioral data from minors.
Experts Warn of Link Between Tech and Mental Health Decline
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued multiple warnings in recent years regarding the impact of excessive screen time and digital dependency on children’s well-being.
In South Carolina, mental health professionals have echoed these concerns. Increasing numbers of children and teens are reporting anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal — often linked to what they’re seeing or experiencing online.
“One of our biggest responsibilities is making sure kids can grow up without being digitally manipulated or emotionally harmed,” Shealy said.
Public Responsibility and Legislative Leadership
The push for stronger child protection laws isn’t just about parents — it’s about public leadership. Senator Shealy and the committee believe that policymakers, schools, tech companies, and families must share responsibility in creating guardrails that protect kids while still allowing them to benefit from technology.
This includes:
- Improving digital literacy education
- Establishing school-based resources for online safety
- Collaborating with tech companies to enforce age restrictions
- Updating legal definitions of child endangerment to include digital exposure
South Carolina has an opportunity to lead the nation in this space, Shealy said — but only if state leaders act with urgency and clarity.
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