Sherrill seeks to protect kids Online
Whats more control for parents, clearer warnings
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Governor MiKie Sherrill reiterated her intention to make the Internet safer for kids by fighting major technology companies on the way they present content while visiting Cherokee High School in Marlton on March 18. [2026]
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The governor, who has four children of her own, spoke about the changing landscape of challenges teens face today. "We need measures to protect our kids' privacy and to stop targeted ads to children, measures to give parents more control and to require clearer warnings about risks," Sherrill said.
..... She spoke of the mental health crisis facing kids and teens throughout the state and county and the ways it is being compounded by social media.
..... Sherrill talked about her concerns during her budget address earlier this month [03/2026] as well, comparing the tech industry to Big tobacco of generations past. "My four kids are between the ages of 14 and 20. and I can tell you with certainly: Our country is failing our children when it comes to protecting them Online," she said in the speech.
..... "It's personal - to me, and to millions of parents on whom Big Tech has dumped an impossible responsibility."
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Her proposed budget for New Jersey's fiscal year 2027 includes a potential $125,000 investment in the Office of Youth Online Mantle Health Safety and Awareness, which she established via executive order, and $500,000 for a Social Media Research Center to focus on the relationship between digital technology and children's mental health and well-being. The governor has been outspoken about prioritizing Online safety for kids since her days in Congress.
..... During her reelection campaign in 2024, she noted that she was concerned about TikTok and the way the algorithms of social media showed extremist content to kids.
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"That's incredibly worrying to me, and I think we've seen some antisemitism, some Homophobia," she said.
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"I'd like to work hard to address that and then more broadly how we better protect our kids Online."
.... And during the campaign for governor, Sherrill didn't shy away from reiterating that concern, saying Online safety would be an agenda priority.
..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com