Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday aimed at protecting children’s mental health by imposing restrictions on their social media use. Under the new law, children under 14 are banned from social media platforms, while those aged 14 and 15 require parental consent to access such platforms.
The legislation mandates social media companies to terminate accounts of users under 14 and those aged 16 and under without parental consent, utilizing third-party verification systems to verify users’ ages.
Originally, the bill proposed a complete ban on children under 16 using social media, but DeSantis vetoed this version, citing concerns about parental rights. The revised bill now allows parents to grant consent for older children to use social media platforms.
Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, the law aims to empower parents to safeguard their children from potential harms associated with excessive social media use.
Proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to address the adverse effects of social media on children’s mental well-being, including anxiety and depression.
Critics contend that the bill infringes on the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and assert that parents should retain sole authority over their children’s online activities.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, opposed the legislation, expressing concerns about limitations on parental discretion and data privacy issues.
The bill does not specify particular social media platforms but targets those featuring elements like infinite scrolling, reaction metrics, auto-play videos, and push notifications. It exempts platforms focused on direct communication like messaging and email.
Several other states, including Utah, Arkansas, and Texas, have implemented or are considering similar regulations to regulate children’s access to social media, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on young users’ well-being.
