Texas Moves Closer to Banning Social Media for Minors With HB 186

Texas lawmakers are advancing House Bill 186, a proposed law that would ban minors from accessing social media. The bill, introduced by Representative Jared Patterson, successfully passed the Texas House on April 30 and is currently being reviewed by the Senate. If enacted, it would require age verification for new users and allow parents to request the deletion of their children's accounts within ten days. Patterson emphasizes the need for action to protect children's mental health, which he describes as being at risk due to social media. Supporting legislation, House Bill 499, aims to require warning labels on social media platforms, drawing parallels to tobacco product warnings.

Experts, including Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, argue that excessive screen time can lead to addiction-like symptoms in youth. While the bills have attracted support from concerned parents, detractors worry about potential legal challenges from technology companies regarding First Amendment rights. The Senate's decision will significantly influence the future of these legislative efforts as Texas approaches the end of its session.