Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Children under the age of 14 could soon be banned from using social media in Massachusetts as lawmakers on Beacon Hill prepare to vote on one of the strictest bills in the country.
The bill, introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, would require children ages 14 and 15 to get permission from a parent to access social media services and platforms.
If passed, the bill would also ban cell phones from being used in the classroom during the school day, which the state senate previously approved of last summer.
Most Massachusetts residents seem to be in support of the bill, especially those who are parents.
“I know what social media brings and I sure don’t want to have my 9-year-old son on social media until after he’s 16 so I wouldn’t be against it,” said Karen, a parent.
“I think it makes sense there’s a lot of bad stuff on there,” said Brenda from Brighton.
While some aren’t too sure that passing the bill is the right move.
“I don’t know it seems like an extreme fix to any problem, so I don’t know how realistic that seems to me but it’s definitely an interesting thought,” said Maya from Southie.
However, one person who would be affected by the bill is 9-year-old Cole who says that he’s in support of the bill being passed, especially when it comes to keeping cellphones away during class.
“That’s ok cause I have my cell phone in school for emergencies, but it’s shut off in my bag,” said Cole.
A ban on cellphones in school is something that Watertown High School has already put into effect as of last year.
While similar laws that restrict social media use for kids have already been enacted in states across the country like Florida.
The House is set to vote on the bill on Wednesday. If approved, it would then have to pass the Massachusetts Senate before it would make its way to the governor’s desk.
Gov. Maura Healey has voiced her support for the idea of a social media ban as she recently proposed a similar ban during her State of the Commonwealth address in January.
Once everything is completed the policy would ultimately go into effect on Oct. 1, 2026, during the upcoming school year.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.