OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, on Monday passed legislation in the House that would restrict social media accounts for youth under 16 and require parental consent for minors 16 and 17 years of age.

If House Bill 1275 were enacted, social media companies would have to verify age and could not allow youths under 16 to be an account holder on their platform. Companies and platforms that violate the regulation would be subject to a $2,500 fine per violation plus court costs, attorney fees, and damages. The bill would also authorize the state attorney general to take legal action. Additionally, commercial entities are prohibited from collecting or sharing a minor's personal or location information.

"We are trying to put some guardrails on social media access for our kids," Caldwell said. "The research is abundantly clear about the incredible harm these types of products have on our young people, including a 150 percent increase in hospitalizations for self-harm and suicide attempts, as well as mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

"The state has a compelling interest to protect the youth of Oklahoma. This is much like we've done when it comes to restricting other addictive substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, or guarding access to things like pornography, gaming, and tattoos. We want to combat the ills already done and to delay access to this content until a youth reaches an age where they can make a more informed and educated decision, understanding the risks of social media use."

Caldwell stressed that nothing in the legislation would limit or censor content on social media platforms.

HB1275 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Ally Seifried, R-Claremore.