social media

Indiana lawmakers have approved sweeping new restrictions on children’s access to social media and cell phones.

Indiana lawmakers are now considering giving parents greater control over their children’s social media accounts and requiring social media companies to redesign their platforms to be less addictive for kids.

Legislation that would severely limit the ability of children in Indiana to access social media accounts passed its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday. The move comes amid growing concerns about social media’s impact on children’s health.

The Indiana Senate advanced a measure Thursday that would require children younger than 16 to get parental permission before creating social media accounts. Despite some concern about the bill's implementation, it was supported by most of the Senate.

A measure that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media without parental permission passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. However, some committee members who support the idea behind the bill say they are concerned about how it will be implemented.

Minors below the age of 16 would need permission from a parent or guardian to use social media apps like Instagram or Snapchat.

New federal recommendations offer parents, teachers and others guidance on how to better protect kids online. The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force said the new guidelines aim to help address the youth mental health crisis.

Indiana lawmakers are beginning to explore ways to better protect children who use social media. Legislation got an initial hearing this session, but won't advance further as its author said he's getting the conversation started.