Texas Legislation Set to Prohibit Minors from Using Social Media Platforms

Texas legislators are prepared to implement stringent regulations regarding minors' social media usage, introducing measures such as account creation prohibitions and mandatory parental consent for app downloads. House Bill 186, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, has already gained bipartisan approval in the House, with a supportive nod from a Senate panel. This ambitious legislation, the most comprehensive to address online risks this session, requires age verification for users and demands compliance by April 2026.Sen. Adam Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, emphasized safety concerns during a recent committee meeting, asserting the need for parental oversight. The legislative efforts mirror growing national trends, with Texas poised to enact some of the strictest social media regulations targeting minors, potentially outpacing other states like Florida. In the face of this potential ban, many young Texans have voiced their perspectives, suggesting age limitations instead due to the pervasive nature of social media in their lives.