The Texas House has approved a bill that prohibits anyone under 18 from accessing social media platforms.
House Bill 186 was passed with a vote of 116-25 and mandates that social media companies verify the age of users when they create accounts. In addition to limiting access, the bill allows parents to request the deletion of their child’s social media account, which companies must fulfill within 10 days.
Rep. Jared Patterson, who introduced the bill, aims to tackle concerns regarding children’s exposure to harmful content and risky behaviors on social media. He believes that stricter age verification measures will enhance the safety and privacy of children online.
Social media companies that fail to verify ages or do not remove accounts could face penalties from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
If the Senate approves the bill and it is signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, it will take effect on September 1, 2025, with the access restrictions starting on January 1, 2026.
