New Jersey lawmakers aim to shield kids from adult websites

TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) -- It was a day that marked the beginning of an addiction that would have a profound impact on Cole Allen Johnson's life.

"I was first exposed to pornography when I was 12 years old," said Johnson while testifying at the State House on July 29. "It wasn't just socially what it did to me. It's also what it drove me to. Drug addiction, alcohol abuse, things like this."

On Monday in Trenton, he opened up about his story during a hearing in front of New Jersey lawmakers, advocating to protect kids from pornographic websites and the devastating effects they can have on them.

"This is the most important issue they can focus on," Johnson said in a Zoom interview on July 30. "There's no issue that concerns the most vulnerable people in such massive numbers and is wreaking such havoc on them - not even social media, which is something everybody likes to talk about."

"It was an emotional hearing," said Republican Assemblyman Jay Webber, who led Monday's hearing.

On Tuesday, Webber spoke at the United Nations on the day it recognizes as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

"It was the right time to bring people together in Trenton, talk about these issues, hear these stories, and probably most importantly, talk about solutions," said Webber.

He's introduced legislation that would require adult websites to verify ages, which could involve an independent 3rd party system. He says similar legislation already passed in 19 States.

"Kid goes to a liquor store, can't buy beer if he doesn't have the right ID," said Webber. "Can't buy a gun or ammunition in New Jersey if you're not old enough."

Webber hopes his legislation will get discussion time in committee when voting sessions ramp back up in September.