A Kansas mother is suing multiple adult websites after discovering her 14-year-old son accessed explicit content 118 times over two months, despite the state’s age verification law. She argues that the websites failed to block access to content that she believes is harmful to minors.
But the lawsuit has sparked a larger debate—who’s ultimately responsible for what kids see online?
In a panel discussion on NBC Palm Springs, contributors Nick Collins and Anthony Turk pushed back against the lawsuit, questioning whether the internet or the parent should be blamed.
“This woman has no case,” said Collins. “The internet is not controllable. No one can stop a determined teen from finding what they want to see.”
Turk agreed, saying the focus should be on parenting, not litigation. “If I were her, I’d be asking, ‘What am I doing wrong as a parent?’ The kid should have consequences. Don't blame everyone else.”
The group pointed out the flaws in online age verification systems, which often rely on a simple “I’m over 18” checkbox. “I was over 18 when I was 13,” Turk joked, adding that real solutions start at home—with monitoring, discipline, and responsibility.
The contributors stressed that teens will always find ways to explore content they’re curious about, whether it’s online or through other means. But the responsibility, they argue, falls squarely on the shoulders of parents to set boundaries and enforce them.
“Stop complaining that your son was smart enough to get around your controls,” Collins added. “If you don’t want your kid online, that’s on you.”
The lawsuit may go forward, but in the eyes of the panel, the outcome is clear: the legal system can’t replace involved parenting.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 22, 2025
