Today I’m speaking directly to fellow parents. As a dad of four young kids, I’m constantly thinking about how to keep them safe—not just in the real world, but in the digital one, too. Whether it's inappropriate content, risky apps, or data privacy concerns, it feels like we’re always one step behind the tech our kids are using.

On April 4, 2025, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed three new laws aimed at helping parents like us protect our children online. One of the most impactful is the App Store Accountability Act (SB142), which takes effect on May 6, 2026. This law requires app stores like Apple and Google to verify a user’s age and get parental consent before allowing anyone under 18 to download certain apps.

What Does This Mean for Parents?

First, this law shifts the responsibility for age verification from individual apps like Snapchat or Instagram, to the app stores themselves. That means it won’t be up to the app developers to enforce age restrictions; Apple and Google will take on that role. These companies will likely use methods such as credit card verification or photo ID checks to confirm age, which raises its own set of concerns.

If your child is under 18, you’ll have to approve their app downloads, giving you a clearer picture of what they’re installing. That’s a win for parents who want more oversight. But it also leads to big questions: What happens to apps already installed before the law takes effect? Will re-verification be required? What happens if that sensitive data ends up in the wrong hands due to a breach?

Two Other Major Laws to Know

Utah didn’t stop with app store accountability. Two other laws were passed:

• SB178 bans personal devices in classrooms. The goal is to reduce distractions and help kids focus on learning.

• HB418 gives parents more control over their children’s data, including the ability to delete it.

As State Senator Todd Weiler noted, platforms like Instagram may be labeled "safe for 12-year-olds," but we all know that’s a stretch. My kids don’t fully grasp what app terms and privacy settings mean—and I don't want them engaging with platforms that could expose them to harmful content before they’re ready.

Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Like many of you, I’m cautiously optimistic. These laws could give us more control and peace of mind—but at what cost? Age verification might lead to more data collection by tech giants. If Apple or Google are ever compromised, our children’s data could be vulnerable.

Also, legal challenges are already looming. Remember, Utah’s 2023 social media laws were blocked over constitutional concerns. There’s a chance these new ones could face similar scrutiny. Still, other states like California are watching closely and could follow suit.

For now, we’re playing it safe at home, keeping the kids on old Apple Watches to avoid the app temptation and minimize risk.

Three Takeaways for Parents

Here’s what we can do today:

1. Set Up Parental Controls Now
   Use built-in features on Apple and Google devices to monitor and limit downloads. Don’t wait for the law to kick in—these tools are already available.

2. Talk to Your Kids About Apps
   Keep an open dialogue about why certain apps are off-limits and what’s at stake. Make these ongoing conversations, not one-off lectures.

3. Keep an Eye on Data Sharing
   Check what information is being collected from your kids. Regularly review apps, delete unused accounts, and clean up digital footprints.

Conclusion: Navigating the Digital World Together

Utah’s new child safety laws are a step in the right direction, giving parents more tools to protect their kids. But no law can replace the power of involved parenting. These changes won’t solve every problem, and they may introduce new ones. But they do signal that lawmakers are listening to our concerns.

At the end of the day, our kids need us to be their guides in this digital world. With a mix of policy, technology, and most importantly—open communication—we can help them build healthy habits online and off.

Let’s stay informed, stay engaged, and keep doing our best for our kids.