FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2026) — A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would limit social media use for kids under the age of 16 passed the Senate and will now move to the governor for further consideration.
House Enrolled Act 1408 would restrict children younger than 16 from setting up social media accounts unless their parents or guardians give consent.
If a parent allows their son or daughter to open a social media account, certain addictive features would be disabled.
"Social media has shown time and time again the negative impact it has on kids' mental health. Other states have enacted laws to restrict addictive features, and today Indiana is one step closer to joining the group," Raatz said. "Since 2010, the suicide rate for teenage girls has grown 63.9% percent and 35% for teenage boys. This bill would help ensure kids are safe from the addictive features of social media and give power back to the parents regarding their child's social media use."
Social media platforms would also be required to use reasonable means to estimate the age of account holders and flag accounts for parental consent if they determine a user is younger than 16. If a social media platform violates this law, they would be subject to civil penalties under the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
The bill now heads to the governor's desk for further consideration.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
