DALLAS (KDAF) — A new study ranking the best and worst states for kids’ online safety found that Texas is one of the most dangerous states for kids.
The state struggles with high rates of online safety crimes and threats, ranking 50th, with only California faring worse at 51st. Although Texas excels in laws related to cyberbullying and social media, ranking 1st, and ranks 4th in cyberbullying prevalence, it falls short in providing adequate mental health support, ranked 36th.
This analysis considered 15 key factors across 100 U.S. cities, categorized into four groups: Online Safety Crimes & Threats, Cyberbullying Prevalence, Cyberbullying and Online Safety Laws, and Mental Health Support.
Utah was found to be the best for kids’ online safety, thanks to comprehensive online safety legislation, strong mental health support, and moderate levels of online safety crimes and threats.
Several East Coast states, including New Jersey (3rd), Connecticut (5th), and Delaware (6th), are ranked among the best states, while West Coast states like California (50th) and Oregon (51st) are among the worst for kids’ online safety.