Texas Social Media Restrictions for Minors Stall Amid Legal Concerns

Texas was on the brink of passing one of the most restrictive social media laws targeting minors in the United States. House Bill 186 aimed to prohibit anyone under 18 from creating new social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. The bill also mandated age verification for all new account creators, a move that would have significantly reshaped how social media platforms manage user access.

Under the proposed legislation, parents would have the authority to request deletion of their minor children's social media accounts. Platforms failing to comply within 10 days risked fines and lawsuits. Proponents argued this was essential to combat the growing mental health issues linked to teen social media use.

Despite passing the Texas House of Representatives, the bill did not reach a vote in the Texas Senate before the legislative session ended, effectively stalling the law. This delay prevented the bill from becoming law before the June 2 deadline. Similar laws, like Utah’s, have faced federal court challenges, and Florida is currently embroiled in legal battles over social media restrictions.

If enacted, the law would have taken effect on September 1, 2025, with enforcement and penalties starting January 1, 2026. It would have complemented the 2023 Texas SCOPE Act, which restricts data collection and advertising targeting minors on social media. However, parts of the SCOPE Act have already been blocked by courts, highlighting the legal complexities of regulating social media access for youth.

University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus noted that the U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of laws requiring age verification on websites. Previous rulings have struck down such mandates, but shifting political climates emphasizing parental rights might influence future decisions. Social media companies are expected to resist these regulations vigorously, though political pressures could force compliance.

Beyond state efforts, there is growing momentum for federal legislation imposing age restrictions on social media use. While such a law would require significant political effort, the conversation is intensifying nationwide. Texas lawmakers also considered House Bill 499, which would require social media platforms to display mental health risk warnings for minors, but it too stalled before the session ended.

The Texas experience highlights the complex intersection of technology, law, and public health. As states push to protect youth from potential harms of social media, legal challenges and political debates continue to shape the landscape. For social media platforms, balancing user safety, legal compliance, and business interests remains a formidable challenge.