Some Florida Lawmakers Want To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16

We’ve all seen reports about — or even witness first-hand — the deleterious impact that social media sites can have on children. But does that mean the government should make it illegal for kids to access these platforms?

That’s a debate that’s currently playing out in Florida … and there are plenty of voices speaking out on both sides.

What’s being considered

A bill that passed in the state Senate this week would, if successful in the House and signed into law by the governor, make certain social media use off-limits for individuals under the age of 16 — even if their parents approve of it.

The legislation would affect platforms that:

• Track user activity
• Allow kids to upload content
• Exhibit addictive features

The bill will now go before the state House before the current session ends on March 8.

What people are saying

Supporters of the bill cite bullying, suicide, online predators and other risks as their motivation. There have been similar efforts, albeit not as robust, in other states. But a judge in Arkansas struck down a proposal that would’ve required parental consent.

Parents and legislators alike have a range of opinions on the Florida proposal.

Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican, slammed social media companies for “using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm.”

Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo, however, said it should be up to parents, not legislators, to instill good habits in kids.

“Let’s have a bill that encourages engaging with your children, cooking dinner, sitting at a table together, making eye contact, calling grandma to see if she’s OK once in a while,” he suggested.

GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis thinks the current bill seems to go too far, noting: “We can’t say that 100% of the uses are bad because they’re not.”

Chris Agee February 23rd, 2024

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