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Massachusetts House Backs Sweeping Youth Social Media Limits and School Phone Ban

The plan now heads to a conference committee to reconcile major differences with the Senate’s narrower bill.

Overview

  • The House, in a 129–25 vote Wednesday, advanced a bill that expands a school phone ban and sets strict social media age limits.
  • The measure bars accounts for children under 14 and requires a parent’s consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.
  • Platforms would have to verify users’ ages or face civil fines, with the Attorney General set to write rules that leaders want in place by October.
  • Every district would need a yearly policy keeping personal devices out of use during the school day, with the state education department guiding implementation.
  • Because the Senate passed a narrower version last summer, negotiators are expected to draft a single bill before it can go to the governor.