Your kids may find it harder to log onto some social media platforms but easier to cope with some of the mental health challenges that can come with them following the passage of several bills out of committee last week. State Sen. Andre Jacque last week celebrated three bills created from discussions held by the Speaker’s Task Force on Protecting Kids.

Legislation requiring app stores and social media companies to verify users’ ages and enforce age-based restrictions and warning labels for explicit content were among the bills passed to go before the full Assembly and Senate.

According to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, nearly 40% of children ages 8 to 12 use social media, despite most platforms requiring a minimum age of 13. Jacque said the technology that kids are being exposed to is constantly evolving and he hopes these bills helps them catch up.

Jacque also said he is pleased that bills addressing adoption education in schools, revolving loan programs for erosion control, and compassionate care visits for hospital and long-term care patients were also passed out of committee.