The New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding online safety for minors. The meeting highlighted the need for enhanced education and resources for parents to protect their children from potential online dangers.

A key focus of the discussion was the importance of legislative measures aimed at increasing awareness of existing parental controls and filters available across various platforms. Committee members emphasized that empowering parents with knowledge about these tools is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the internet and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Representative Perez raised concerns about previous attempts to pass legislation that would allow parents to opt out of certain protections on devices, noting the difficulty in garnering support for such measures. The conversation underscored the ongoing struggle to balance the interests of businesses with the need to safeguard children online.

Witnesses at the meeting pointed out that while there are First Amendment considerations regarding state intervention in parental decision-making, there is no constitutional barrier to educating parents about available safety tools. They referenced successful initiatives in other states, such as Virginia and Florida, which have implemented educational programs for both students and parents on online safety.

The committee also explored the varying age restrictions for online access in different countries, with some allowing access as early as 13. However, it was noted that comparisons to international standards are complicated by the unique protections afforded by the First Amendment in the United States.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for ongoing dialogue and legislative efforts to ensure that children are protected in an increasingly digital world. The committee plans to continue exploring effective strategies to educate parents and enhance the safety of minors online.