Ohio PTA Chief Calls for Urgent Parental Action on Children’s Online Safety
Parents in Ohio have been urged to take a more active role in guiding their children’s online activities as digital platforms continue to shape modern childhood. Nicole Lesnick, president of the Ohio PTA and mother of eight, says children today are growing up in a far more connected digital environment than previous generations.
She noted that online gaming platforms, especially Roblox, have become central to how many children play, learn, and socialize. Reports suggest that about half of American children under 16 have engaged with the platform.
Lesnick emphasized that while technology offers learning opportunities, it also raises safety concerns that parents must address directly. She encouraged families to engage with their children online rather than avoid digital spaces.
According to her, parents can use available safety tools such as chat restrictions, user blocking, and screen time controls to protect children. She also highlighted new platform updates that introduce age-based accounts designed to improve online safety.
Roblox has recently rolled out additional measures, including stricter communication filters and identity checks for younger users. However, Lesnick stressed that platform safeguards alone are not enough.
She said parents must actively participate by understanding the platforms, setting boundaries, and spending time online with their children. In her view, shared digital engagement helps children learn safe habits.
Lesnick compared online supervision to guiding children in physical play areas, where supervision and gradual independence work together to build confidence and safety.
