Nebraska state senators introduce three bills on children and social media

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – TikTok, one of the most downloaded apps in the world, is now under fire from multiple fronts.

As the Supreme Court decides whether to uphold a federal ban, the app is facing a lawsuit in Nebraska.

On Friday, a Lancaster County judge denied TikTok’s request to dismiss the lawsuit by Attorney General Mike Hilgers

And on Monday, Nebraska lawmakers introduced three new bills intended to protect children from the dangers of unchecked digital technology.

“I was king for the day, I would move the clock back about 25 years to make sure that the only phone a kid had was a flip phone,” said Gov. Jim Pillen, who supports the bills.

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One of the bills would make sure predators who use artificial intelligence to produce sexually explicit content of children are punished.

Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering said this bill catches the law up with the technology.

Another requires age verification to open a social media account and minors would need parental consent.

The third bill would require school districts to have cellphone policies.

“I’m committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and the academic growth of every student by removing electronic communication devices from the classroom,” said Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue.

Hilgers spoke in support of the bills.

“Social media and cellphones in the hand of young people are fueling a mental health crisis in our state,” Hilgers said. “And it’s a difficult problem for a parent and I speak from experience — to be able to attack defend — because it can be very hard when there’s pressure from peers or from friends.”

Gov. Jim Pillen said this is something he should’ve done a long time ago.

“Honestly, I apologize to the people of Nebraska,” he said. “We should’ve done this two years ago. This should’ve been done day one of being governor of Nebraska.”