Texas House Passes Controversial Bill On Minors And Social Media Ban

The Texas legislative session this year is going to be one for the books. It has been full of controversy thanks to school vouchers, a potential THC ban, and several other high-profile bills.

While most people are focusing on those headline-grabbing bills, others are going somewhat under the radar. Like the bill that just passed through the Texas House to ban minors from using social media.

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Yes, the Lone Star State is going to potentially tell everyone under the age of 18 that they can't use Facebook, X, Instagram, and every other social media site in existence or that comes into existence.

Texas HB 186 Passes Social Media Ban In House Of Representatives

The ban, which passed the House and is now waiting in the Texas Senate, makes it illegal for a social media service to allow anyone under the age of 18 to create an account. It's a bill that has a lot of people talking.

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In order to have a social media account, the services would have to use some form of age verification. They would also be required to delete accounts when a parent requests it.

The inspiration behind the bill is the desire to do something about the mental health issues that young people supposedly have due to prolonged use. Several documentaries and studies tackle the subject.

Is There Any Chance That A Texas Social Media Ban Will Pass

If we look at the adult entertainment industry, then the answer is yes. There is a chance. The reasoning behind requiring updated age verification methods was the same; it's all about protecting the children.

With adult websites, age verification comes in the form of uploading a photo of your ID. I don't know a lot of people who will upload a photo of their driver's license to use Facebook, if the trend holds true.

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There are plenty of opponents of the bill, calling this an attack on the freedom of speech for young people. Others point at parents and say it is their responsibility alone to determine what their children have access to.

It's hard to argue against protecting the mental health of students. It's also hard to argue for all the hoops one would have to jump through to have a social media account. It will be interesting to see what happens in the Senate. Will it go to the Governor's desk?