I am extremely proud to be working with Jaimee Kelley to ensure that no other parent has to endure such unimaginable loss. The harms from social media are real with often devastating results. Jaimee’s beautiful young daughter Audree lost her life to suicide when she was targeted by a group that can only be described as evil and nefarious, and allowed on a popular social media platform. This must change.

HB 686 is making its way through the Kentucky House, having passed through the Families and Children Committee on Thursday. This legislation will coordinate efforts to support youth mental health and put in place a suicide prevention stakeholder network with a dedicated funding source in every region of the state.

Please share and help advocate for this important legislation to protect children and require that any lawsuit settlement funds from social media platforms is dedicated to support this Positive Youth Development Trust and this much needed response to bring positive resources to Kentucky youth!

Teen’s suicide after using Roblox drives Kentucky online protection law

from WKYT

KENTUCKY (WXIX) – A Kentucky representative is filing legislation to protect young people from online dangers after a 13-year-old girl took her own life following involvement with a group on social media.

Audree Heine died by suicide in November 2024, just days after celebrating her 13th birthday. Her mother, Jaimee Seitz, said Heine became involved with the true crime community.

Seitz says police told her it’s an extremist online group that glorifies and romanticizes school shooters.

“You can be the best parent ever,” Seitz said. “You could watch what they’re doing 24/7, but they still have to go to school, they still have to have a social life. You can’t put them on a leash.”

Investigation reveals online path

Police gave Seitz a journal detailing her daughter’s obsession with the true crime group following Heine’s death. According to Seitz, Heine’s involvement began on Roblox before moving to other gaming and social media platforms.

“It’s as a result of her starting on Roblox and then moving to different gaming platforms and social media platforms,” Seitz said.

Six states, including Kentucky, are suing Roblox. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman alleges the platform failed to implement adequate safety measures against child predators and did not inform parents of platform dangers.