Mexico legislator proposes strict social media age limits for minors

Mexican Federal Deputy Verónica Martínez García of the PRI has introduced a legislative initiative to strictly regulate social media access for minors. The proposal seeks to amend the General Law of Education, the General Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, and the Federal Penal Code.

Key measures include prohibiting digital platforms from allowing accounts for children under 14 and requiring effective age verification mechanisms. For adolescents aged 14 to 18, the use of social media would be conditional upon parental or guardian consent. The reform also proposes criminal and administrative sanctions for digital platforms that fail to comply with these protection protocols.

The initiative follows reports of rising digital risks, including cyberbullying and mental health issues. Data cited includes findings from UNICEF México and INEGI, noting that millions of adolescents in Mexico have experienced psychological distress or digital harassment.