Austin, TX — A high-profile effort to ban social media accounts for minors under 18 in Texas appears to be fading fast, with the state legislature running out of time to act before the session ends Monday.

The bill, which had already cleared the GOP-led Texas House, would have created one of the toughest restrictions in the country—barring anyone under 18 from joining platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. But momentum in the state Senate slowed just as lawmakers approached a critical weekend deadline.

“This bill was the best way to protect children in this state,” said Republican state Rep. Jared Patterson, who championed the legislation. Still, without a final Senate vote, the proposal is unlikely to reach Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk in time.

Abbott has not publicly taken a position on the bill, though earlier this week he signed a separate measure into law requiring app stores like Apple’s and Google’s to verify users’ ages. That law also mandates parental consent for anyone under 18 to download apps or make in-app purchases. Utah passed a similar law earlier this year, though it’s currently tied up in court.

The Bigger Picture: Growing National and Global Push

Texas’s proposal goes further than Florida’s recent ban on social media accounts for kids under 14, and echoes moves in places like Australia, where users must be at least 16. These initiatives are part of a growing bipartisan push to tackle the mental health risks and addictive nature of social media for younger users.

Critics of the platforms argue that companies design their apps to keep kids online longer, often exposing them to violent, inappropriate, or abusive content. Supporters of the Texas bill said it was a necessary step to give children a healthier digital environment.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from tech trade groups and free speech advocates, who argue such bans are unconstitutional and overly broad.

Teen Usage Remains Sky-High Despite Risks

A December 2024 Pew Research Center report found that nearly half of American teenagers describe themselves as being online “constantly.” This, despite growing concerns from researchers and parents alike about the toll social media and smartphones take on mental health.

The American Psychological Association has been vocal in urging lawmakers and tech companies to do more. They say social media platforms are particularly harmful to young users who struggle to disengage or control their usage.

Legal Hurdles and Uncertain Future

Even if Texas had passed the bill, it likely would have faced immediate legal challenges—just like Utah’s law, which a federal judge temporarily blocked in 2024.

Meanwhile, California is taking a different approach. Starting in 2027, it will be illegal for platforms to knowingly serve addictive algorithm-driven content to minors without parental consent. And in New York, a new law allows parents to prevent platforms from pushing algorithm-generated content to their children entirely.

As more states and countries take action, the broader debate continues: How can society protect kids from the harms of social media without infringing on free speech or digital access?

For now, Texas’s bold attempt is on pause—but the conversation is far from over.

Source: AP News – Texas push to ban minors under 18 from social media fades with time running out

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The idea of banning cellphones in schools has gained significant traction across the political spectrum, with support coming from both Republican and Democratic leaders. Arkansas’ Republican Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, are two notable figures who have endorsed this movement. As the issue gains momentum, at least eight states have implemented cellphone bans in schools over the past two years, and more states are considering similar measures in 2025.

The Growing Support for Cellphone Bans

The push for banning cellphones in schools is primarily driven by two concerns: the negative impact of screen time on children’s mental health and the disruptive nature of phones in the classroom. Teachers have expressed growing frustration over constant distractions, while mental health experts, such as Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, have urged schools to create phone-free environments to promote student well-being. Murthy has even suggested Congress require warning labels on social media platforms regarding their effects on young people’s lives.

Nationally, 77% of U.S. schools reportedly have policies prohibiting cellphones for non-academic purposes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, this statistic is somewhat misleading as many schools struggle with enforcement and student compliance.

Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone-Free Schools Movement, explains that the issue is resonating across both red and blue states. “It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or a rural town—children everywhere need a break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day,” she said.

States Taking Action: A Bipartisan Shift

A growing number of states have already enacted or are considering cellphone bans in schools. These measures vary from state to state, but the trend is clear. Some notable examples include:

• Florida: In 2023, Florida became the first state to mandate a ban on cellphones during class time, requiring schools to block social media access on district Wi-Fi networks.
• California: A 2024 law requires the state’s nearly 1,000 school districts to develop their own cellphone policies by July 2026.
• Other States: States like Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia have passed or are contemplating similar laws, some offering funding for schools that adopt cellphone-free policies.

Additionally, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders introduced a pilot program in 2024, offering grants to schools that implement phone-free policies. Over 100 schools have already joined, and in her recent State of the State address, Sanders proposed an outright statewide ban on cellphones in schools.

Other governors, including Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, and Nebraska’s Jim Pillen, have also voiced support for cellphone restrictions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has suggested she may push for a statewide policy, though details are still unclear.

The Opposition to Bans: Safety Concerns and Practicality

Despite the growing support for cellphone bans, the proposal has faced opposition, particularly from some parents. Many argue that cellphones are an essential tool for communication, especially in emergencies. In the wake of tragic school shootings, some parents have pointed out that students relied on their phones to contact loved ones during crises.

However, proponents of the bans argue that phones may pose additional risks in emergencies. Distractions could impede students’ ability to react quickly, and phones could inadvertently reveal a student’s location during an active shooter situation.

Opponents also highlight the practical concerns of parents who want their children to have access to phones for reasons such as coordinating transportation or staying in touch throughout the day.

Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, shares concerns about the broader implications of social media on children. However, she argues that banning phones is an overly simplistic solution. “Banning phones during school won’t address deeper issues like bullying or the dangers of social media,” she said. “We need to teach kids the skills to navigate technology responsibly, not just take their devices away.”

Conclusion

The debate over banning cellphones in schools continues to grow, with bipartisan support from both Republican and Democratic leaders. While proponents argue the move will protect students from distractions and mental health issues, opponents emphasize the need for access to phones in emergencies and the importance of teaching children to navigate technology responsibly. As more states take up the issue in 2025, the balance between safety, practicality, and technology’s impact on youth remains at the forefront of the conversation.

Source

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Career-networking giant LinkedIn has pushed back against proposed Australian legislation aimed at banning social media access for children under 16, arguing that its platform is simply too unappealing to minors to be included in the ban.

“LinkedIn simply does not have content interesting and appealing to minors,” the Microsoft-owned company stated in a submission to the Australian Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

Australia’s Push for a Social Media Ban

The Australian government has proposed “world-leading” legislation to restrict children’s access to social media, citing concerns over online harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the measures are designed to address the worries of parents about their children’s online safety.

While other tech giants like Meta, Google, Snapchat, and TikTok have raised objections, LinkedIn took a different stance, asserting that its professional focus and minimum age requirement of 16 make it irrelevant to younger audiences. The company added that it actively removes accounts belonging to underage users when identified.

Industry Concerns and Criticism

Other social media platforms have voiced significant concerns about the proposed legislation:

• Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) argued the bill would fail to ease the burden on parents and claimed it disregards expert advice from child safety and mental health professionals.
• TikTok Australia criticized the legislation’s rushed timeline, warning it could lead to unintended consequences.
• Google, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) raised legal and practical issues, including the bill’s reliance on age verification technologies still under trial.

Privacy and Consultation Issues

Privacy advocates and human rights experts have also criticized the bill for its hasty development and potential privacy implications. Carly Kind, Australia’s privacy commissioner, and Lorraine Findlay, human rights commissioner, have both called for more comprehensive consultation and scrutiny before the legislation is enacted.

LinkedIn’s Case for Exemption

LinkedIn argued that regulating its platform under the new law would impose unnecessary costs and barriers for its users in Australia. By avoiding inclusion in the legislation, the platform could also sidestep the need for additional age verification processes.

International Interest

Australia’s approach has garnered attention worldwide. In the UK, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned similar legislation as a possibility, while France has already implemented a law requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media. However, research suggests nearly half of French minors have bypassed the restrictions using VPNs.

What’s Next?

The Australian government plans to pass the legislation before the end of the parliamentary year. However, experts warn the current timeframe and lack of consultation could hinder its effectiveness.

As the debate continues, LinkedIn’s professional focus and limited appeal to younger audiences may ultimately exempt it from these sweeping changes.

Source

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