Who Should Control Kids’ Phones — Parents or App Stores?

Some Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are pushing for legislation that would require app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps, while others view it as unnecessary.

The App Store Accountability Act, introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this month, aims to protect children and strengthen parental rights by requiring app stores to provide clear information on what apps children are downloading and using.

Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX) thinks this legislation would be extremely helpful.

“I think that would be beneficial,” Rep. Jackson commented. “I would prefer it.”

But states like Texas have already enacted a similar version of the act, requiring app stores to verify user ages, limit personal data collection, and implement mandatory parental consent for minors.

Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) said the bill's mandate of parental consent for minors, allowing parents to have control over what apps their kids can download, is important. Since most children don’t pay for their phones themselves, the device ultimately belongs to the parents, she said.

“Who’s paying the bill for the phone? Well, there you go,” Rep. Van Duyne said, adding that minors cannot even legally enter contractual obligations with phone companies.

Although Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) agreed that parents should be able to see what’s happening on their children’s devices, passing legislation affirming this right is “silly,” he said.

“Let’s not be silly. Let’s realize that parents already have that right,” Rep. McCormick said. “I just think it’s silly that parents can’t just take control of their kids as it is.”

Rep. McCormick said if parents are concerned about what their children are doing on their phones, all they have to do is take the phone and see for themselves.

“You take your phone from your kid, or you shut that phone off," Rep. McCormick said. "It’s pretty freaking simple.”

As a parent himself, Rep. McCormick said he does not see why this legislation is necessary.

“I’m in control of the destiny of my children,” he said. “I don’t need the government to give me permission to take control of that.”