Article Summary
A proposed bill in Texas that would ban social media accounts for children under 18 has not been voted on, signaling a fading push for one of the nation’s toughest restrictions. The bill aimed to go further than existing bans in Florida and Australia, but was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it unconstitutional. The legislative session ends Monday, leaving a narrowing path for the proposal.
What This Means for You
- The failure to pass the bill in Texas indicates a potential setback for strict limits on social media access for minors.
- If you are a parent, you may still need to closely monitor and manage your child’s social media usage due to the lack of stringent legislation.
- Future state efforts to set boundaries on social media for children may face similar challenges in balancing children’s protection and free speech.
- Tech companies, including those with a presence in Texas, will likely continue their engagement with social media regulation debates.
Texas Push to Ban Minors Under 18 from Social Media Fades
AUSTIN, Texas — A proposed bill in Texas that would ban social media accounts for children under 18 has stalled in the state Senate, signaling a fading push for one of the nation’s toughest restrictions on social media usage by minors.
The bill, which already passed the GOP-controlled state House, aimed to go further than existing bans in Florida and Australia. The proposed Texas ban was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it an unconstitutional limit on free speech.
Texas lawmakers face a weekend deadline to send bills to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has not publicly commented on the proposed ban. The legislative session ends Monday, leaving a narrowing path for the proposal.
Many tech companies have established a presence in Texas, including X, which is owned by Elon Musk.
Earlier this week, Abbott signed into law
The proposed ban aimed at minors is the latest move in a growing bipartisan push nationwide to address the impacts of social media on the well-being of children. Critics accuse platforms of using addictive functions to lure children onto their site and keep them there, and of not doing enough to curb violent or age-inappropriate content, or online abuse.
People Also Ask About
- What were the key objections to the proposed Texas social media ban for minors? Critics called it unconstitutional and an overreach, restricting free speech.
- Has any other state passed a similar social media ban for children? Yes, Utah and Australia have banned social media accounts for users under specific ages.
- How did Texas Governor Greg Abbott respond to the proposed social media ban? Abbott has not publicly commented on the proposed ban before the deadline for sending bills to him.
- What other technology-related actions has the Texas government taken recently? Governor Abbott recently signed a law requiring age verification and parental consent for app store users under 18.
Expert Opinion
The proposed Texas social media ban for minors reflects a broader trend of increasing government scrutiny of online platforms, aiming to protect children’s well-being. This highlights the ongoing challenge for policymakers to balance protecting children and upholding free speech.
Key Terms
- Social Media Ban for Minors
- Texas Legislative Session
- Free Speech
- Tech Companies
- Child Protection Online
- State Regulation of Social Media
- Parental Consent and Control
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