Safety for children online
History was made when Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as the first woman to be elected by the Democrat party as the governor of New Jersey. (Christine Todd Whitman was elected by Republicans way back in 1993).
But the real historical shockwave came during the inauguration itself. Governor Sherrill broke with every prior New Jersey governor by choosing not to take the oath of office on a Bible. Instead, she placed her hand on the Constitution, marking the first time in state history that a governor has taken the oath in this manner.
I am uncertain of her intentions and why she chose to make this provocative move. But let’s be clear, her display of allegiance to a federal document, no matter how beautiful and enduring our Constitution may be, does not replace her ultimate accountability before God.
We also have a biblical responsibility that must not be overlooked. Scripture commands us to pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Tim 2:2). I encourage you to remain mindful and faithful in obeying that call. Voting is our civic duty twice a year—during the primary and the general election—but prayer is our daily spiritual responsibility.
So let’s get to it! Why?
It is my hope that we can find meaningful ways to work with the Sherrill administration on critical issues such as protecting children online. This was one of her campaign priorities, and on day one she signed Executive Order No. 6, creating a new office within the New Jersey Department of Health to coordinate efforts to keep kids safe online when interacting with technology platforms.
Our national alliance of state family policy councils has already helped more than 20 states pass legislation protecting children from online pornography and harmful social media platforms through age‑verification laws. A new model bill now goes even further by requiring parental permission before minors can download apps.
Let’s hope these common‑sense protections are not dismissed by the new legislature or the Sherrill administration.
We have heard from our national allies that Big Tech routinely sends lobbyists into state capitals to slow or block efforts to protect children online. With so much advertising revenue tied to keeping teens on their platforms, these companies have a strong financial incentive to resist meaningful safeguards. Even when legislators from both parties want to advance bipartisan protections, Meta, Google, and Apple often work to pressure them into compromising—leaving children at continued risk.
Let’s not allow that to become the reality in New Jersey. We are here to advocate for these protections and to represent your voice in the halls of Trenton. The New Jersey Family Policy Center depends on your support to continue this work. Would you consider giving a gift of $150, $100, or even $25 to advance our vision of a New Jersey where families thrive, life is cherished, and parental rights are protected—so that God is honored?
Thank you for standing with us as we stand upon God’s word.
