Texas legislature considers social media ban for minors amid mixed reactions

SAN ANTONIO — As the 89th Texas Legislature approaches its conclusion, a controversial bill proposing to ban minors from social media platforms is gaining attention. The bill, if passed, would prevent individuals under 18 from creating accounts on popular apps such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, requiring users to verify their age.

Opinions on the proposed legislation are divided. Some parents argue that it is not the government's role to regulate their children's online activities.

Marianna Sanchez, an arts teacher and TikToker, said, "They're taking my place. I think it's fine for my son to use it the way I'm allowing him to use it, but that's my decision as a mom." Sanchez monitors her 13-year-old son's social media usage with the Bark app, which allows her to manage screen time and block content.

"I don't think he needs extra safeguards, because I'm putting those safeguards in place as his parent," Sanchez added. While acknowledging the negative effects of social media, she said, "Social media, it does have bad side effects. There's no question about that. That's a fact, and something has to be done. I just don't think this is the answer."

A study indicates that up to 95% of teens aged 13-17 use social media platforms, with more than a third reporting "almost constant" use. During a recent committee meeting, members of the group "Texas Values" emphasized the need for the bill, citing the challenges parents face in monitoring their children's online activities. Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of Texas Values, said, "There are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescence."

Justin Sanchez, Marianna's son, expressed his reliance on social media to stay connected with family members in Cuba. "I use it to communicate with people that I don't see anymore, like maybe who moved schools or different city. I can't talk to them in person, and I can use social media to communicate with them still," he said.

The bill, co-sponsored by State Senator Adam Hinojosa of Corpus Christi, is now heading to the state Senate. If enacted, social media platforms would be required to comply by April 2026. The legislation also allows parents to request the deletion of their child's account, with companies mandated to respond within 10 days. Hinojosa noted that parents feel less safe about their children's online activities due to the content they are exposed to.