(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with legislation aimed at limiting children's access to social media and increasing parental control over online activity.
Two bills advanced out of the Indiana Senate Education Committee this week. Senate Bill 159 would restrict students from using electronic devices during instructional time at school and give parents greater authority over how school-issued technology is used at home.
Senate Bill 199 focuses specifically on social media access. The proposal would require age verification and parental consent for minors to use social media platforms. Under the bill, children younger than 14 would be prohibited from having social media accounts altogether.
The legislation would also establish an overnight curfew for teen social media use. Unless a parent or guardian changes the settings, minors would be barred from accessing their accounts between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Supporters of the bills say the measures are designed to improve child safety online and address growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health. Research has linked excessive social media use among young people to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and attention-related issues.
The bills now move forward in the legislative process, where they will continue to be debated by lawmakers.