Texas Social Media Ban for Minors: New Bill Update
- Texas is considering legislation to ban social media use for those under 18, following similar moves in other states.
- If enacted, the social media ban would require platforms to verify users' ages before account creation.
- Jared Patterson, of Frisco, said social media platforms are not acknowledging the harm they inflict on children. He supports the ban, stating that now is the time for...
Texas may soon ban social media for anyone under 18. This proposed bill,which already passed the House and now awaits senate review,would force social media platforms to verify users’ ages,mirroring existing state laws,and compel parents to delete their children’s accounts. Failure to comply could mean fines or lawsuits, as violations are classified as deceptive trade practices. The primary goal of the proposed social media ban is to protect teenagers from social media’s negative impacts, especially its link to teen mental health concerns and social media addiction. Representative Jared Patterson supports House Bill 186, citing the harm platforms inflict on kids. News directory 3 will continue to follow this developing story. Discover what’s next as this crucial bill moves through the Texas Senate.
Texas Considers Social Media Ban for Minors Under 18
Updated May 26, 2025
Texas is considering legislation to ban social media use for those under 18, following similar moves in other states. The Texas House has already passed the bill, and it now awaits consideration in the Senate.
If enacted, the social media ban would require platforms to verify users’ ages before account creation. This mirrors existing Texas legislation regarding age verification for accessing pornographic content. Parents would also be required to delete their children’s accounts, with platforms given 10 days to comply. Failure to do so could result in fines or lawsuits from the state attorney general, as the bill classifies violations as “deceptive trade practices,” possibly leading to legal action.
State Rep. Jared Patterson, of Frisco, said social media platforms are not acknowledging the harm they inflict on children. He supports the ban, stating that now is the time for House Bill 186.
The impetus for this bill stems from concerns about the negative impact of social media on young people. One case involved a 13-year-old girl who developed an eating disorder after being exposed to weight loss videos on social media. While some psychologists suggest that an age-based ban merely delays the risk rather than solving the underlying problem, proponents believe it is indeed a necessary strategic move until a more complete solution is found to address social media addiction and its effects on teen mental health.
What’s next
The bill now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration. If passed, it will become law, significantly impacting how minors in Texas engage with social media platforms.