Florida governor bans children under 14 from using social media

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a bold step in protecting children online by signing a bill that restricts social media access for those under the age of 14. The bill, known as HB3, also requires parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to join social media platforms. Additionally, social media companies are mandated to delete existing accounts of children under 14 or face potential legal action.

During the bill-signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children in the digital age. The bill, set to take effect in January 2025, aims to address concerns from parents about the safety of their children online. Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other supporters of the law argue that unrestricted social media use can have negative effects on children’s mental health and expose them to potential dangers such as communication with sexual predators.

Efforts to regulate social media and protect minors have been gaining momentum across the U.S. In December, over 200 organizations called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would hold online platforms accountable for recommending harmful content to minors. In January, tech executives from popular platforms like TikTok, X, and Meta faced tough questions from lawmakers about online child safety, reaffirming their commitment to protecting young users.

While some states have faced legal challenges over similar laws, Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner are prepared to defend Florida’s legislation. NetChoice LLC, a coalition of social media platforms, has already voiced concerns about the law’s constitutionality, arguing that there are better ways to ensure online safety without infringing on freedoms. However, Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner are confident that the bill is in line with the law and the Constitution.

Speaker Renner made it clear that the focus of the bill is on addressing the addictive nature of social media platforms rather than regulating speech. He expressed determination to overcome any legal challenges from opponents, including NetChoice. Governor DeSantis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the bill was carefully crafted to uphold constitutional principles.

. As the law prepares to take effect in the coming years, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and whether it will withstand legal scrutiny.