Indiana Governor Calls for Social Media Restrictions After Teen's Death

Braun urges lawmakers to require parental consent and ban accounts for minors under 13.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:55am

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Indiana Governor Mike Braun is calling on state legislators to pass new restrictions on social media use for minors following the death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee. Braun is urging lawmakers to require parental consent for social media use by children ages 13 to 17 and to prohibit social media accounts for children under 13.

Why it matters

The governor's push for social media restrictions comes as several related bills have struggled to advance in the current legislative session, highlighting ongoing debates around online safety and regulation, especially for young users.

The details

Braun said similar measures have already been adopted in other states and should be considered in Indiana. State Senator Jeff Raatz, the author of one Senate bill that initially included limits on teen social media use, said that provision has been removed from the legislation. Two additional bills that would have required age verification to access social media platforms never received committee hearings. State Senator Liz Brown said lawmakers need to continue discussions about online safety, including gaming platforms and forums. House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning said one option under consideration would focus on regulating social media companies and their algorithms rather than placing responsibility on parents and students.

  • The renewed push comes as several bills addressing social media restrictions have struggled to move forward this legislative session.

The players

Mike Braun

The governor of Indiana who is calling for new restrictions on social media use for minors.

Jeff Raatz

A state senator who authored a bill that initially included limits on teen social media use, but has since removed that provision.

Liz Brown

A state senator who co-authored a bill that would have required age verification to access social media platforms, but the bill never received a committee hearing.

Bob Behning

The chair of the Indiana House Education Committee, who said one option under consideration would focus on regulating social media companies and their algorithms.

Micah Beckwith

The lieutenant governor of Indiana who has called for adoption of 'Hailey's Law', which would create a new Pink Alert for missing persons and expand predator awareness education in schools.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.