Florida has passed a new law that prohibits children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms—even with parental consent.
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This legislation, which received strong bipartisan support and passed with a vote of 106 to 13 in the Florida House, aims to address growing concerns over the impact of social media on minors.
🔒 Why Was This Law Passed?
Supporters argue that the addictive nature of social media exposes children to various risks, including depression, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, cyberbullying, and even suicide. The threat of online sexual predators has also intensified worries among parents and officials.
📱 Which Platforms Are Affected?
The law does not specify particular platforms by name. However, it applies to any service that tracks user activity and enables virtual interactions. Companies are now required to block accounts suspected of being operated by underage users and delete their data.
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💬 What Do Critics Say?
Opponents believe the law infringes upon freedom of expression and access to information. They argue that decisions regarding children’s online activity should be left to parents, not the government.
🌐 Could Other States Follow?
Following a similar move by Utah, states like Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, and Louisiana are now considering comparable legislation.
📉 Meta’s Reaction (Parent Company of Instagram and Facebook)
Meta has called for a unified federal regulation instead of a patchwork of state laws and suggested that requiring parental approval for app downloads would be a more practical solution.
🧠 Scientific Support for the Law
According to a study published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, excessive social media use among teens is associated with increased risky sexual behavior and decreased mental health. The Florida law could therefore help mitigate these harms and protect the next generation from long-term consequences.
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Source: Radio Farda, PubMed