Kentucky House unanimously passes bill limiting kids’ access to social media

FRANKFORT, Ky (WDRB) — A new bill moving through the Kentucky General Assembly could soon determine just how young is too young for social media.

Lawmakers in the Kentucky House of Representatives have passed legislation designed to limit children’s access to social media platforms unless parents give permission.

Supporters say the measure is intended to curb what they describe as the addictive nature of social media for young users.

"I don't overstate things, but this may be the most impactful legislation we pass this session," said Matthew Lehman, a Democrat from Campbell County.

The proposal targets some of the world’s most widely used platforms, including X (Twitter), Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

Lawmakers say the companies behind those platforms have the resources to address problems affecting young users.

"These companies have made their investors very rich," Lehman said. "They have the resources. They have the best engineers in the world to fix the problem. They refuse."

How the bill would work

The legislation’s sponsor,  Representative Matt Lockett, says the bill focuses on the way companies already track user data to sell advertising.

"So it relies on age estimation," said Lockett, a Republican from Jessamine County. "They are already doing this to determine the age of a user to sell advertising. When you detect a minor, that sends up red flags. You have to gain parental consent or kick them off the platform."

Supporters say the measure is aimed at protecting children from targeted advertising and limiting exposure to content designed to keep users scrolling.

Concerns about addiction

Several lawmakers compared the pull of social media to other addictive behaviors, such as gambling, alcohol and cigarettes.

"It is very addicting," Lockett said. "That’s one of the things the bill tries to get at — the addictive nature to children."

He acknowledged regulating adult use would be much harder but said lawmakers believe the state can and should step in to protect minors.

Rare unanimous vote

The bill passed the House without a single vote against it — a rare outcome in today’s political climate.

"I'm glad you're starting this," one lawmaker said during debate. "Hopefully we can make sure that all the families and parents know how dangerous this is."

If the measure becomes law, enforcement would fall to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.