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Texas lawmakers are moving closer to enacting what would become the nation's second comprehensive ban on social media use by minors, with legislation now awaiting final Senate approval before reaching the governor's desk.
The proposed measure would prohibit anyone under 18 from creating or maintaining social media accounts, representing the most restrictive state-level approach to youth internet access to date. The bill has already cleared the Texas House and is expected to pass the Senate as the current legislative session nears its conclusion.
Under the legislation, social media companies would face new requirements to verify users' ages and establish systems allowing parents to request account deletions for their children.
Platforms would have 10 days to comply with such deletion requests or face potential legal consequences.
The bill categorizes violations as "deceptive trade practices," exposing companies to civil penalties and lawsuits for non-compliance.
Governor Greg Abbott's office has signaled receptiveness to the measure. "Child safety and online privacy are key concerns for the governor, who plans to carefully consider any measure that aligns with those priorities," said spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris.
Texas would join Florida as the only state with comprehensive social media bans for minors. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in 2024 prohibiting children under 14 from using social media platforms, marking the first such statewide restriction.
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