Campaign plan targets social media access for Iowa children and teens

Iowa children 15 and younger would be barred from social media under a new campaign proposal released on July 27, 2026, by State Auditor Rob Sand.

The "Keep Iowa Kids Safe Online" plan, announced in Des Moines, also seeks to require parental consent for 16- and 17-year-olds. The proposal is currently part of a gubernatorial campaign and has not been introduced as a bill in the Iowa Legislature.

Academic experts interviewed following the announcement pointed to potential benefits for youth development. Chris Snider, a professor in Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said a definitive age cutoff assists parents who face pressure from children wanting to join platforms early.

"It's hard to be a parent and have some of your kids friends be on social media but you know that they should't be," Snider said in an interview. "I love the idea as a parent because if I can just say to my kids look you can't be on until you're 16 then I've got more time to educate them."

Dr. Douglas Gentile, a professor in the liberal arts and sciences college at Iowa State University, added that delaying access can help teenagers build real-world interpersonal skills.

The policy framework includes age verification, parent-linked accounts, and a ban on infinite-scroll features for minors under 16. Adults would also receive an option to opt out of infinite scroll, alongside built-in screen-time-limiting functions for devices.

Sand stated that the measures are designed to hold technology companies accountable. The campaign plan draws in part on a 2025 Utah law, though consulted sources did not specify the exact statutory language or enforcement mechanisms.

For Linn County residents and school districts, the proposal highlights an ongoing debate over digital access. While Iowa classrooms already enforce limits on student screen access, the campaign plan proposes extending restrictions outside of school hours.