Texas, Montana Propose Child Social Media Safeguards Amid Legislative Challenges

Legislative efforts across various states are intensifying to enhance online safety for minors, with several bills aiming to regulate social media access for children. In Texas, House Bill 186 has advanced, requiring platforms to verify user ages, while opponents argue it may infringe on free speech rights. Alabama's App Store Accountability Act seeks to empower parents by requiring their approval for app downloads by minors, reflecting a broader desire to restore parental control over children's digital interactions. Montana's Social Media Youth Protection Act, which aims to provide safeguards for minors, has also gained traction, despite concerns about privacy implications. Meanwhile, Washington state's Senate Bill 5708, which aimed to curb addictive social media practices for youth, failed to progress in the House, leaving supporters disappointed over the lack of urgency in addressing youth mental health issues linked to social media use. These legislative initiatives highlight a growing recognition of the challenges posed by social media on young people's well-being.