House Plans Vote to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 14

Proposed legislation would also restrict cellphone use in schools across Massachusetts.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a smartphone screen breaking apart into overlapping, geometric shards of color, conveying the disruptive and fragmented effects of technology on young people's lives.The proposed legislation aims to shield Massachusetts youth from the harmful mental health impacts of social media and cellphone overuse.Boston Today

The Massachusetts House of Representatives plans to vote on Wednesday on a bill that would prohibit social media use for children under 14, require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds, and ban students from using cellphones in schools. The proposal goes beyond a Senate-approved bill that only addressed cellphone restrictions in schools.

Why it matters

This legislation would make Massachusetts one of the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to social media and cellphone use by minors. Supporters argue it is necessary to protect young people's mental health from the harmful effects of social media algorithms and content, while critics say it may be an overreach that infringes on personal freedoms.

The details

The House bill would require social media companies to implement age verification systems and give parents access to data submitted by minor users. It would also mandate that school districts prohibit personal electronic device use during the school day and create a pilot program to render student devices inoperable on school grounds.

  • The House plans to vote on the legislation on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • If passed by the House, the bill would then go to a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile differences between the two chambers' proposals.
  • The proposed social media policy would go into effect on October 1, 2026, if the bill becomes law.

The players

Aaron Michlewitz

Chair of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee.

Ron Mariano

Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Maura Healey

Governor of Massachusetts, who has previewed legislation to impose strict limits on social media companies targeting children and teens.

Karen Spilka

President of the Massachusetts Senate, who has said Healey's social media proposal aligns with the Senate's cellphone ban and data privacy bills.

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What they’re saying

“This ban would be among the most restrictive in the entire country, helping to protect young people from harmful content and addictive algorithms that have a proven negative impact on their mental health.”

— Aaron Michlewitz and Ron Mariano, House Ways and Means Chair and House Speaker

What’s next

If the House bill passes on Wednesday, it will go to a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile differences between the two chambers' proposals before final votes in each branch.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects growing concerns about the mental health impacts of social media and cellphone use on children and teens, and the willingness of Massachusetts lawmakers to take aggressive action to regulate these technologies, even if it means restricting personal freedoms.