LGBT group opposes Massachusetts youth social media ban legislation

An LGBT advocacy group is opposing a Massachusetts proposal that would restrict minors’ access to social media and expand parental oversight. Lawmakers supporting the measure say it will protect children.

The Massachusetts House passed H.5349, a bill banning social media use for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for users ages 14 and 15. The legislation also requires age verification and limits cellphone use during the school day.

Evan Greer, a Boston-based activist and director of Fight for the Future, criticized the proposal and questioned lawmakers’ intent.

“Do Massachusetts lawmakers believe that young people have nothing valuable to contribute to society?” Greer said. “That’s what this bill seems to say.”

Greer argued the legislation could harm minors who use online communities.

“This legislation would make kids less safe, not safer,” Greer said.

A coalition including the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts has also pushed back on the measure, raising concerns about privacy and access to online platforms.

Opponents have argued the proposal could require users to submit identifying information online, raising broader concerns about data security and how platforms would handle sensitive personal information.

But lawmakers backing the legislation said the focus is on protecting children from harmful content and giving parents more control.

“This bill will protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms and ensure that our students are able to focus in the classroom without the distraction of cellphones,” House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-Quincy, said.

Supporters said the proposal responds to growing concerns from parents and educators about the impacts of social media on minors.

“A social media ban for children under 14 is not extreme, it is responsible,” Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, said.

The measure would require social media companies to implement age verification systems and prohibit accounts for users under 14. Platforms would also need to obtain verifiable parental consent for users ages 14 and 15.

The legislation includes provisions affecting schools, including restrictions on cellphone use during the school day and requirements for districts to adopt policies to reduce distractions.

Supporters said the approach reinforces parental authority and shifts control away from social media companies.

“A vast majority of superintendents urged us to take the lead in restricting cellphone use from bell to bell in our schools,” Rep. Kenneth Gordon, D-Bedford, said.

The House passed the bill 129-25. It now returns to the Senate for further consideration.