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Ohio Lets Parents Block Kids From Social Media
Ohio, USAFriday, June 19, 2026
Ohio’s 2023 law now requires that any social‑media platform a child under 16 might use obtain parental permission before the child can sign up. The state’s appeals court upheld the rule, finding it constitutional and narrowly tailored to protect minors from deceptive terms.
Key Points
- Scope of the Law
- Applies to major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Platforms must verify a user’s age and only allow registration with explicit parental consent.
- Decision Highlights
- A three‑judge panel ruled the law is not vague and does not impose an undue burden on free speech.
- The court noted the rule specifically targets children’s vulnerability to complex terms and conditions.
- Opposition from NetChoice
- NetChoice, representing many leading social‑media companies, claimed the law was unconstitutional and would restrict kids’ access to protected content.
The court rejected these arguments, emphasizing the law’s narrow focus on child protection.
- Timeline
- Ohio passed the legislation in 2023.
A federal judge initially blocked enforcement, but the appeals court reversed that block in 2024, allowing the law to take effect.
- International Context
- Countries like Australia are exploring similar measures amid concerns over mental health and online safety.
- Ohio’s ruling may serve as a precedent for other jurisdictions considering child‑protection policies.
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