Texas moves closer to banning social media for minors

Texas is poised to become the second U.S. state to implement a sweeping ban on social media use by minors, joining a growing movement among states to regulate digital access for children amid rising concerns over mental health and online safety.

The state of Texas is advancing legislation that would impose one of the most comprehensive bans in the United States on social media use by minors, as reported by NBC News. The bill has already passed the Texas House and is expected to move through the Senate in the final days of the legislative session.

If signed into law, the measure would bar individuals under the age of 18 from creating or using accounts on social media platforms. Companies would be required to verify users’ ages and offer parents the ability to request account deletions for their children - a process platforms would have to complete within 10 days.

Violations would be classified as “deceptive trade practices,” exposing companies to civil penalties and potential legal action.

The proposed legislation reflects a broader trend across the U.S., as more states introduce laws aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of online platforms. Lawmakers and advocates cite growing evidence of links between social media use and mental health issues in young people, prompting increased scrutiny and calls for stricter regulation.

Governor Greg Abbott’s office emphasized that child safety and digital privacy are among his top concerns. His spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, stated that the governor will closely review any legislation that addresses these priorities.

Florida became the first state to enact such a measure when Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law banning children under 14 from using social media platforms in 2024. If the Texas bill passes, it would represent the most stringent state-level restriction on social media use by minors to date.

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