As an advocate and the Executive Director of The Black Institute (TBI), I understand the complexities of raising children in a digital world. Every day, parents are faced with the challenge of balancing their children’s access to technology with ensuring their safety. A new TBI poll conducted by Global Strategy Group (a PDF download) underscores that Black parents across New York State overwhelmingly support a law requiring parental approval for children under 16 to download apps. As we navigate an increasingly digital age, this data highlights a crucial opportunity for our New York Congressional leaders – Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries – to empower parents in safeguarding their children online.
The survey revealed that over 80% of New York parents back this proposed legislation, with Black parents showing particularly high levels of support. Importantly, 41% of parents overall strongly support this measure — a clear indication that this issue resonates deeply across all communities. This is not just about technology. It is about protecting our kids, ensuring that parents have a voice in what their children access, and creating tools that help families make informed decisions.
One of the most telling findings is that Black parents overwhelmingly prefer a “one-stop-shop” — a place where they can review and approve apps before they even reach their child’s device. In fact, 76% of Black parents trust app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to securely handle the personal data required for parental approval, far more than they trust individual apps.
This is not surprising. Parents across all demographics want simplicity and security. We do not want to wade through endless notifications or risk missing something important. We want to be proactive, not reactive. A centralized approval system would empower parents to stay informed and involved, creating an additional layer of protection between children and potentially harmful content.
Moreover, this is not just about convenience — it is about equity. Communities of color often face unique challenges when it comes to digital literacy and access to resources that promote online safety. Implementing legislation that requires parental approval would help close these gaps, ensuring that all families, regardless of background, have the tools to protect their children.
Critics may argue that parental control apps already exist. While that is true, these apps often require technical know-how or expensive subscriptions that many families cannot afford. Legislation ensuring parental approval through a streamlined, app-store-based system would make this process far more accessible, equitable, and effective.
The data is clear: Black parents want this. Parents across the board want this. Now, it’s time for lawmakers to listen.
As the Executive Director of The Black Institute, I urge our leaders in Albany and Washington, D.C. to act swiftly and decisively. Implementing a parental approval law utilizing app stores would be a meaningful step toward protecting our children and equipping parents with the tools they need to navigate the digital world.
Let’s put power back into the hands of parents. Our children’s futures — and their safety — depend on it.
Written by: Tuulikki Robertson, Executive Director of The Black Institute
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
