Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider New Limits on Kids' Social Media and Screen Time

Boston Children's Hospital psychologist Dr. Erica Lee weighs in on the potential impact of proposed legislation.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A glowing neon outline of a young person's head with a brain-like structure inside, representing the impact of digital technology on the developing mind.As lawmakers consider new limits on kids' social media and screen time, experts warn of the complex effects on young, developing minds.Boston Today

As Massachusetts lawmakers prepare to vote on a bill that would ban social media use for children under 14 and implement statewide restrictions on cell phones in schools, Dr. Erica Lee, a child psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital, discusses the nuances of addressing concerns about young people's mental health and screen time usage.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media and excessive screen time on the mental health and development of young people. However, Dr. Lee cautions that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective solution, as individual factors like a child's maturity, attention span, and existing mental health conditions can play a significant role in how they engage with technology.

The details

The Massachusetts House is expected to vote this week on a bill that would ban social media use for kids or children under the age of 14 and implement statewide restrictions on cell phones in schools. Dr. Lee explains that while there is a push for stronger boundaries around children's screen time, especially in the classroom, the key question is what the legislation is trying to accomplish. She suggests that goals could include ensuring kids can focus in class, reducing overall time on screens, encouraging the beneficial use of technology, or limiting social media access during the school day. Dr. Lee notes that the impact of social media and screen time on developing brains and emotional well-being can vary greatly depending on the age and individual characteristics of the child.

  • The Massachusetts House is expected to vote on the proposed legislation this week.

The players

Dr. Erica Lee

A child psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital who provides expert insight on the potential impacts of social media and screen time on young people's mental health and development.

Massachusetts House

The legislative body in Massachusetts that is considering a bill to ban social media use for children under 14 and implement restrictions on cell phones in schools.

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What they’re saying

“I can really appreciate this push for stronger boundaries in general and children's screen time, obviously, especially in school. But I think the kind of important question behind that is what exactly we're trying to accomplish, right?”

— Dr. Erica Lee, Child Psychologist, Boston Children's Hospital

“When kids are young, for example, they're learning all the time based on real world experience. So less interaction with what's happening in their actual physical world around them will impact, you know, their learning, their social connection as they get older.”

— Dr. Erica Lee, Child Psychologist, Boston Children's Hospital

What’s next

The Massachusetts House is expected to vote on the proposed legislation this week, which could set the stage for further debate and potential implementation of new restrictions on social media and screen time for children in the state.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the complexity of addressing concerns about the impact of social media and screen time on young people's mental health and development. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to the individual needs and vulnerabilities of each child, while also ensuring they maintain a healthy balance between technology use and other essential activities.