Texas bans social media access for minors under 18

In Texas, a new legislation, House Bill 186, has made considerable advances through the state legislature aimed at banning social media access for minors. The bill, authored by Republican state Representative Jared Patterson, received bipartisan support in the Texas House and is awaiting a vote in the Senate as of May 2025. It will officially take effect by January 1, 2026, while the bill itself becomes law starting September 1, 2025. If enacted, social media companies would be mandated to verify the ages of their users to ensure compliance with the law. The bill was developed following extensive consultations with parents and committees concerned about the profound impact social media has on young individuals, especially in light of rising mental health issues. Patterson noted that conversations with parents revealed their challenges in combating the powerful algorithms these platforms employ, which are designed to captivate young users and often expose them to harmful content. Opponents of the bill argue that social media also provides meaningful avenues for creativity and community-building among teens. The discussion around this bill has been heightened by the increasing awareness of mental health issues linked to social media use among minors. Data from the CDC indicates that suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, with some lawmakers attributing this epidemic to influencing factors found on social media platforms. As more children, including those aged 8-12, engage with these platforms despite policies setting the minimum age at 13, it raises concerns regarding their exposure to inappropriate content and online predation. There are mixed feelings among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the scope of the bill. While some support a total ban for those under 18, others believe that restrictions should apply only to those age 16 and under, suggesting that parental involvement could be a more effective solution. The debates reflect broader societal concerns about balancing regulations that protect children with the rights to freedom of expression and access to creative outlets. The support and opposition to House Bill 186 exemplify the ongoing struggle to navigate the intersection of youth, technology, and regulation in contemporary society.