US EditionTexas is one step closer to banning social media use for minors
- Texas legislators passed House Bill 186 on May 1, 2025, in the House, aiming to ban social media use by minors under 18 and requiring age verification statewide.
- The bill follows growing concerns about youth mental health linked to social media, with Rep. Jared Patterson citing rising self-harm and mental health crises among Texas children.
- HB 186 mandates social media platforms remove child accounts upon parental request and subjects companies to penalties under Texas consumer protection laws for noncompliance.
- Patterson stated, "Our kids are killing themselves at a clip that we have never seen before," while opponents argue the bill risks harming free speech and replicates struck-down provisions.
- If the Senate approves and Gov. Abbott signs, the law will take effect September 1, 2025, with restrictions beginning January 1, 2026, potentially changing minors' social media access in Texas.
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Texas House passes bill banning minors from creating social media accounts
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas is setting itself up to be a leader in regulating the social media sphere. Today, the Texas House passed a bill 116-25 that would prohibit children from using social media. House Bill 186 requires a strict verification process to ensure account holders are at least 18 years old. “I firmly believe that social media is the most harmful product that our kids have legal access to in Texas,” said Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisc…
·Austin, United States
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