Senators Push Bill to Restrict Minors' Social Media Use

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2025 – A bill reintroduced Wednesday in the U.S. Senate would bar children under the age of 13 from creating social media accounts.

The Kids Off Social Media Act was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, plus four other Democrats, three other Republicans and Sen. Angus King, Independent of Maine. Further, the bill would prohibit social media companies from using recommendation algorithms to target users under 17 and require schools to restrict social media access on federally funded networks. 

“Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids — from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz in a statement. “Many families have suffered due to Big Tech’s failure to take responsibility for its products.”