SC H5209

Social media companies with at least 5 million users worldwide must verify the age of South Carolina account holders beginning March 1, 2027, and obtain parental consent before allowing minors under 16 to create accounts.

Parents of minor account holders must be provided supervision tools including the ability to view privacy settings, see their child's connections, set daily time limits, schedule breaks, and receive notifications when the minor reports issues.

Social media platforms must prohibit adults from direct messaging minors unless already connected, ban targeted advertising based on minors' personal information (except age and location), and filter content advocating violence, self-harm, or displaying sexual conduct.

Private citizens may sue social media companies for violations in circuit court and recover $2,500 per incident or actual damages, plus attorneys' fees and court costs.

The Department of Education must develop model online safety education programs for grades 6-12 covering social media's mental health effects, manipulation tactics, cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and human trafficking by March 1, 2027.