Texas Social Media Ban for Minors Stalls Amid Legislative Deadline
A proposed Texas law to ban social media accounts for minors under 18 stalled as lawmakers missed a key vote, raising concerns over child safety online.
Overview
A proposed Texas law to ban social media accounts for minors under 18 stalled after lawmakers missed a key vote, despite earlier momentum. The bill, which passed the GOP-controlled House, aimed to create one of the strictest restrictions in the U.S., surpassing Florida's ban for minors under 14. Governor Abbott has not publicly stated his position, and the legislative session ends soon, limiting further action. This proposal reflects a national bipartisan push to address social media's impact on youth mental health, with critics highlighting the addictive nature of platforms and the need for protective measures.
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Articles (6)
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"…The effect of social media on children's mental health has become a growing global concern, with dozens of U.S. states suing Meta Platforms and the U.S. Surgeon General issuing an advisory on safeguards for children."
USA TODAY·1M·"…The Texas bill to ban kids under 18 from social media is running out of time in face of tech lobby and free speech pushback."
Fortune·1M·"…The proposed Texas ban aimed at minors is the latest move in a growing bipartisan push nationwide to address the impacts of social media on the well-being of children."
Associated Press·1M·FAQ
The bill, known as House Bill 186, passed the Texas House but stalled in the Senate, where a key vote was missed, making its passage unlikely by the legislative deadline.
The proposed ban is part of a broader effort to protect children from the perceived dangers of social media, including addictive features and inappropriate content.
The Texas proposal is more stringent than Florida's ban, which applies to minors under 14. It also aligns with a national push to regulate social media access for minors.
History
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