Ohio Attorney General Warns Parents About Online Safety After Teen’s Death
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is urging parents to pay closer attention to their children’s online activities following the death of 17-year-old Indiana teenager Hailey Buzbee, whose case has raised concerns about the dangers young people may face online.
Wilson issued the warning on Monday, October 12, 2026, saying that even attentive parents and families familiar with technology cannot assume their children are completely safe from online threats.
According to WOWO, Buzbee disappeared from her home in Fishers, Indiana, and her remains were discovered in Perry County in February. Federal prosecutors allege that she met Tyler Thomas, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, online while playing video games, including Roblox and League of Legends.
Thomas was indicted on nine federal counts connected to Buzbee’s death. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
What Should Parents Do?
Wilson encouraged parents to learn which applications their children use, research potential risks associated with those platforms and maintain open conversations about their online experiences.
He stressed that these discussions should come from a place of love and concern rather than control, so children feel comfortable telling their parents about suspicious messages or uncomfortable interactions.
The attorney general also acknowledged that his professional experience does not make his own family immune to online dangers.
New Efforts to Protect Children
Buzbee’s death has also prompted renewed discussions among Ohio lawmakers about protecting children from online exploitation.
One proposal, Senate Bill 379, known as Hailey’s Law, was introduced in March by state senators Michele Reynolds and Kristina Roegner as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding children’s online safety.
The case serves as a reminder that children may interact online with people they have never met in person.
Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their children’s digital lives, establish age-appropriate safety boundaries and create an environment where children can seek help without fear of punishment.
