Texas Wants to Ban Social Media for All Users Under 18

Texas is on the verge of becoming the next U.S. state to impose sweeping restrictions on youth access to social media. A bill that would ban anyone under 18 from using social media platforms has advanced past the Senate committee stage and is now headed for a full vote in the Texas State Senate.

Lawmakers have until June 2, the end of the state’s current legislative session, to finalize and pass the bill.

Parents Can Request Account Deletion

If enacted, the legislation would require social media platforms to verify users’ ages before allowing account creation. The bill also empowers parents to request the deletion of their child’s social media account, and platforms would have 10 days to comply or face penalties enforced by the Texas Attorney General.

The proposal follows an earlier law passed in Texas that mandates age verification for adult content websites.

Stricter Than Other State Laws

The Texas bill goes further than similar laws recently passed in other states. In 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that completely bans children under 14 from accessing social media and requires parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds.

Texas’s version would be broader in scope, affecting all users under 18, regardless of parental permission.

Federal Efforts and Broader Context

Texas is not alone in pushing for tighter regulation. On the federal level, the U.S. Senate introduced a bill in April 2024 to ban social media for children under 13. Although that bill stalled in committee, Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) have recently indicated renewed interest in advancing the measure.

The debate over youth access to social media continues to grow as lawmakers cite rising concerns over mental health, privacy, and online safety for minors.

When Will It Be Enforced?

The full State Senate must approve the Texas bill, and then signed by the governor before it can become law. With the June 2 deadline approaching, the next week will be critical in determining whether Texas joins a growing list of states enacting legislation to limit youth access to digital platforms.