I grew up with the internet as an ever-present force in my life, and now my children will grow up with social media prevalent in their lives as well. Just as my parents had rules about when I was allowed to use the internet, parents today have a partial responsibility in keeping their children safe online.

My kids are 14, and I’m constantly trying to find the right balance between embracing all the cool things the internet has to offer and protecting them from content that isn’t age appropriate. For me, social media is like a modern-day business card — it helps me share my work and stay connected. As a creator, my kids get to see how the internet can be a place to learn and connect with others in healthy ways.

I recently learned about the App Store Accountability Act going through Congress, which would make it easier for parents like me to approve my children’s app downloads and verify their age. This legislation isn’t about restricting access — it’s about empowering families.

This change would provide a more consistent and safe experience for families, helping parents stay involved in their children’s digital choices while reducing the burden of navigating multiple platforms and parental control settings. The internet is constantly changing, and so should our approach to protecting our kids online. What worked even five years ago doesn’t always apply today.

As a parent, I like having open discussions with my kids about why they want to download an app, which of their friends are using it, and how to protect themselves. When any of those conversations get delayed or missed, harmful apps can slip through the cracks. Luckily, the App Store Accountability Act would help prevent that by allowing parents to approve our children’s downloads and verify their ages in one place on the App Store, eliminating confusion and adding an extra layer of protection.

Social media is here to stay, and whether you’re a creator or a consumer, it’s become a part of daily life. That reality is what prompted lawmakers in states like Utah and Texas to pass the App Store Accountability Act, reflecting a growing recognition that parental tools need to be as adaptable as the platforms themselves.

Lawmakers in those states set the stage for a safer, more secure digital environment for our kids. If state legislators can take meaningful action, there’s no reason our New York federal lawmakers can’t do the same.

I love my kids deeply, and like all parents, I want to set them up for success. That means teaching healthy habits in every part of life, especially online. Our digital world is vast and complex, but that doesn’t mean it should be unmanageable.

The App Store Accountability Act would give parents across the country the tools needed to stay informed and involved in their children’s digital lives. I encourage our New York federal lawmakers to do what’s best for families, and support an approach that creates a single, consistent standard for app downloads.

(Natasha D’Anna is a Shore Acres resident.)