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4d ago

Texas House Passes Bills to Ban Social Media for Minors, Add Mental Health Warnings

The legislation, which now moves to the Senate, would prohibit under-18s from creating accounts, require age verification, and empower parents to delete accounts, with implementation expected in 2026.

Bonham Middle School students walk between classes Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 in Odessa.
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Overview

  • House Bill 186, passed 116-25 in the Texas House, would bar minors from creating social media accounts and mandate age verification for users.
  • Companion House Bill 499 requires platforms to display mental health risk warnings for minors accessing social media apps.
  • The legislation grants parents the right to request the deletion of their child’s social media account, with companies required to comply within 10 days.
  • If approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Abbott, the laws would take effect on September 1, 2025, with restrictions starting January 1, 2026.
  • Tech companies are expected to challenge the laws in court, citing First Amendment concerns over free speech rights.