US Federal House Bill HB7399

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

Kids Off Social Media Act

Impact

The legislation dictates that schools will need to adopt technological protection measures ensuring that students cannot access social media while utilizing school-supported services, devices, and networks. Schools that fail to comply with these requirements risk losing eligibility for certain financial support under the Communications Act. This represents a significant change in how educational institutions interact with social media platforms and emphasizes the need for greater accountability in protecting the welfare of students online.

Summary

House Bill 7399, known as the 'Kids Off Social Media Act', seeks to implement stringent regulations on the access of social media platforms for children. The bill prohibits users under the age of 13 from accessing social media platforms and restricts the use of personalized recommendation systems for individuals under the age of 17. Additionally, it aims to limit social media's use in schools, thereby safeguarding minors from potential online harms associated with these platforms.

Contention

There is a potential for contention regarding this bill, particularly surrounding its implications for educational practices and the role social media plays in modern learning environments. Critics may argue that the bill could stifle educational innovation, as many educators utilize social media for instructional purposes. Moreover, the bill's enforcement mechanisms such as school certification and penalties for non-compliance could be viewed as punitive, disproportionately impacting schools that already face resource limitations.