New laws aim to safeguard children from online predators in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hailey Buzbee’s parents witnessed Governor Mike Braun sign two bills into law that are designed to protect children from social media and exploitation.

The ceremonial signing is a symbol that the state is ready to protect children from online predators. Hailey’s father, Beau, said it’s a good step forward.

“There’s no greater evil than those who seek and do harm to our children. And so I appreciate all the hardwork, effort, and the fight that you are taking to it,” Beau said.

House Bill 1303 expands the Silver Alert to include a missing child as a high-risk person. And it creates harsher penalties for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.
House Bill 1408 requires social media platforms to get parental consent for children under 16.

The Buzbee family has been pushing for these changes after 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee met a man online and was later found dead in Ohio.

“Indiana could be known on the leaderboard across the country as a place that protects our children. And the risk and vulnerability and threat in our homes, our community in our state will start to dissipate,” Beau said.

The Governor said last year, Indiana State Police and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested nearly 500 child predators. Braun added that the team rescued 126 children. This year, they arrested 92 people and saved children.

“This has become such a big deal across the country, and the consequences are everywhere. Parents will have to weigh in to make it clear that it’s a big deal. Legislatures are going to have to get together, and again we need to put pressure on the companies that put that stuff out and profit from it,” Braun said.

While legislation is one step, the Governor says it’s not the only path towards prevention. He encouraged parents to be vigilant. “Don’t assume that something may not be happening because that’s where the starting point is. This is the beginning of trying to remediate it, and we’re just getting started.”

The Governor also said he supports the Pink Alert System championed by the Buzbee family, which focuses on high-risk missing children and cases involving online grooming or trafficking.

Beau called this moment “hopeful.”

The Buzbee family is pushing for Hailey’s law, which includes the pink alert system and online safety training in schools. They are working with lawmakers to present for next year’s legislative session.