Lawmakers Push for Strictest Social Media Ban Yet for Texans Under 18

Texas lawmakers are advancing significant legislation to prohibit minors under 18 from accessing social media platforms. This initiative would establish the most stringent regulations of its kind in the nation.

House Bill 186, introduced by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), aims to implement age verification for users on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The legislation seeks to prevent minors from establishing accounts and grants parents the authority to request the deletion of accounts within a 10-day timeframe. The measure has successfully cleared the House with bipartisan backing and has received endorsement from a Senate committee. Should the legislation be passed, businesses must adhere to the new regulations by April 2026.

A co-sponsor, Senator Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi) emphasized the importance of safeguarding children, stating, “This is about protecting our kids.” “We face the challenges ahead and firmly declare, ‘Our children are not yours to take.’”

In addition, lawmakers are progressing with various other initiatives:

Senate Bill 2420, introduced by Senator Angela Paxton of McKinney, mandates that minors undergo age verification and obtain parental consent before downloading applications or making in-app purchases.

House Bill 499, introduced by Representative Mary González of Clint, aims to mandate warning labels regarding the mental health risks associated with social media for young individuals.

Proponents contend that these legislative measures will address the challenges of cyberbullying and mental health concerns. However, opposition is mounting from critics, notably a significant number of teenagers. “The harmful content doesn’t vanish upon reaching adulthood,” stated Morgan McGuire, a 17-year-old TikTok creator boasting over a million followers.

Teen athletes express concerns that the proposed legislation may negatively impact recruiting efforts. “Colleges now anticipate a social media presence,” stated William Weed, a high school football player.

In the face of significant opposition from the youth, lawmakers continue to stand their ground. “The focus here is on preventing harm before it occurs,” stated Hinojosa.

If approved, Texas would become the 11th state to implement restrictions on youth social media usage, surpassing existing measures in other states, including Florida, which currently limits access solely for individuals under 14.