Gallego proposes bill for parental approval on social media use for children under 16
The Hill · August 4, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona is introducing legislation that would require social media platforms to obtain parental consent before allowing users under 16 to create and maintain accounts. This proposal represents a significant regulatory change for social media companies in the United States, increasing the age threshold for account creation by at least three years on certain platforms.
Why it matters
The legislation aims to address concerns about online safety and the impact of social media on children.
Who feels this
Parents
This legislation directly affects parents as they will need to give consent for their children under 16 to use social media platforms. It may also provide parents with more control over their children's online activities and safety.
Students
Students under 16 will be impacted as they will require parental approval to create and maintain social media accounts. This could limit their access to social media platforms for communication and social interaction.
Small Business Owners
Small business owners may face challenges in marketing to younger audiences if those under 16 cannot create accounts without parental consent. This could affect their ability to engage with a younger demographic on social media.
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