After Florida, now Texas is ready to put a ban on social media for minors. Texas could pass a bill that would ban the use of any social media platforms by users under 18 years of age. The bill has already been passed by the state legislature of Texas and the decision is now in the hands of the Senate.
The bill was first passed by the House committee stage and then by the state’s House of Representatives. Now if passed by the state Senate this bill will become a law.
What if the Ban on Social Media for Minors bill becomes a law?
If the state Senate passes the bill and makes it a law, there will be a ban on social media use for minors. The social media platforms will be forced to verify the age of the user before creating an account. Just like how Texas has already passed legislation against hosting porn to put up an age barrier. Not only this, the parents will have to delete their child’s social media accounts, offering 10 days for apps to work on the request. Otherwise, they will have to face a fine from the state attorney general or lawsuits for noncompliance. The bill also states that violation of its rules as “deceptive trade practices”. This might result in legal actions against the offenders.
“They refuse to answer……” State Representative Jared Patterson
Frisco, Texas- State Representative Jared Patterson in one of his recent interviews said that they (social media platforms) refuse to accept what they are doing to the kids. Though he is all in favor of banning social media for kids. He says that there is always a right time and place for everything. He added that the 89th legislature is the time of House Bill 186.
Why has the state decided to take such a step?
Recently, a case came into public view, where a 13 year old girl in San Francisco. She joined social media without her parents knowledge. Later, she was flooded with videos of weight loss. Inspired by those videos the girl started skipping meals. Her parents were helpless. To stop cases like this, the government has decided to put a ban against social media use by minors.
But on this a psychologist stated that putting an age ban is like delaying the risk of it, not solving the problem. But till we come up with a solution, this ban could be a strategic move.
Also Read: “I let you live…” The Last Of Us Season 2 Ending Decoded
The post Texas to Become Second U.S. State to Ban Social Media for Minors, Bill Passed appeared first on The Next Hint.