On May 6, H.B. 301, introduced by Representative Jeff Zenger, was passed in the North Carolina House of Representatives. With this bill, minors in North Carolina under 14 would be restricted from making accounts on all social media platforms, while those under 16 would need parental consent to sign up for an account. Proponents argue that this bill would make important strides in protecting youth mental health, preventing cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, and encouraging safer recreational activities. However, opponents argue that the bill has the potential to encroach on children’s First Amendment rights, as well as introduce privacy concerns and data collection vulnerabilities.

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