Texas Lawmakers Push to Ban Minors from Social Media
The Texas Legislature is moving forward with House Bill 186, which would ban minors from creating social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and others. The bill, filed by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), has bipartisan support and would require users to verify their age. If passed, companies would have to enforce the ban by April 2026.
Why Lawmakers Support the Ban
Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi), a co-sponsor of the bill, explained:
“Like so many parents across our state, I’ve watched my children grow up in a world that feels less and less safe, not because of where they go physically, but because of where they go online, in spaces that my wife and I cannot possibly monitor at all times.”
The bill would also let parents request the deletion of their child’s social media accounts, which platforms must comply with within 10 days. Any site that allows users to create or share content is considered a social media site. News and sports websites are exempt.
So far, 10 states, including Texas, have passed laws limiting social media access for minors. But this bill would make Texas the most restrictive. Currently, Florida bans kids under 14 from social media, and they’re considering raising it to under 16.
Texas Could Set the Strictest Standard
Another bill, Senate Bill 2420, would require age verification and parental consent for app downloads or in-app purchases. Lawmakers are also looking at House Bill 499, which would require warning labels about mental health risks tied to social media use.
“We have the ability and the power to act today… With House Bill 186, we confront the evil before us and boldly say, ‘You cannot have our children,’” Hinojosa said.
Teens Speak Out Against the Ban
Many teenagers testified at a recent committee hearing, saying that a full ban would harm their futures.
“The harmful content that young people are exposed to online does not disappear when they turn 18,” said Morgan McGuire, a 17-year-old TikToker with over a million followers. “The bill throws young adults into a digital world… without the support systems they had as minors.”
Athletes also shared concerns.
“It will be putting Texas high school student athletes at a disadvantage… Colleges are not only looking at athletic skill and performance, but also an athlete’s brand,” said William Weed, a Texas student athlete.
Mental Health and Safety Concerns Drive Support
Despite the pushback, lawmakers argue the bill is necessary.
“We have countless research stories of peers your age committing suicide and being bullied,” Hinojosa said.
- 95% of teens aged 13–17 use social media, and over a third use it almost constantly.
- Nearly 40% of kids aged 8–12 are on social media, even though most sites set the minimum age at 13.
- Groups like the American Federation of Teachers and American Psychological Association say social media is hurting mental health and education.
Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney) noted that these bills don’t touch online gaming, which also poses risks. Hinojosa responded that social media is just the starting point:
“We’re making something new,” he said.
