A new push is underway to let parents know they have a way to help stop adult-themed content from reaching a child or teen's cellphone or tablet.
Parents can register a cellphone number, email address or instant messaging ID on the Protect MI Child website, which is part of the Michigan Children's Protection Registry Act. The registry acts similar to the "Do Not Call" list.
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Under the Michigan Children's Protection Registry Act, "a person shall not send, cause to be sent, or conspire with a third party to send a message to an address that has been registered for more than 30 calendar days with the department if the primary purpose of the message is to, directly or indirectly, advertise or otherwise link to a message that advertises a product or service that a minor is prohibited by law from purchasing, viewing, possessing, participating in, or otherwise receiving."
Below is the list of products or services that are illegal under Michigan or United States Federal Law for children to purchase, view, possess, or participate in:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Pornography or Obscene Material
Gambling
Firearms
Once signed up, if a child still receives an inappropriate message, parents can contact the Division of Consumer Protection to report those who are not complying with the law.