On February 15th, the Florida House of Representatives passed new social media laws barring teens from platforms. These proposed laws directly result from rising concerns about social media’s effect on youth’s mental health. However, the bill brings into question constitutional concerns and parental rights. These are the details…
How New Social Media Laws May Affect Sunshine State Teens
The Florida House of Representatives filed House Bill 1, AKA Online Protection for Minors, earlier this year.
Under this set of social media laws, in the Sunshine State online platforms would have to:
- Prohibit users under the age of 16.
- Require age verification.
- Terminate accounts of those not of age.
HB1 passed in the House with 23-14 votes. Now, it is headed to Governor Ron DeSantis’s desk for final approval or veto.
Nonetheless, the Florida Governor has admitted he needs to have questions answered about some of HB1’s specifics. CNN quoted DeSantis this statement from a press conference…
“AS MUCH AS I THINK IT’S HARMFUL TO HAVE PEOPLE ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS FOR FIVE OR SIX HOURS A DAY, A PARENT CAN SUPERVISE A KID TO USE IT MORE SPARINGLY.”
This brings to question what Florida parents think about laws that impact their choices about their kids on social media…
Florida Wants “Parent’s Perspective” Before Approval
Overall, the feeling about Online Protection for Minors is a mixed bag…
According to a PBS article covering the social media laws, lawmakers like Republican Erin Grall have these types of concerns…
“WE’RE TALKING ABOUT BUSINESSES THAT ARE USING ADDICTIVE FEATURES TO ENGAGE IN MASS MANIPULATION OF OUR CHILDREN TO CAUSE THEM HARM.”
On the other hand, there are Florida parents like Angela Perry who feel the choice should be up to her…
“YOU ARE ALREADY SELECTING BOOKS MY CHILD CAN READ AT SCHOOL. THAT IS FINE TO A CERTAIN EXTENT. BUT NOW YOU ARE ALSO MOVING INTO THEIR PRIVATE LIFE AS WELL. IT’S BECOMING INTRUSIVE.”
Whatever side of the issue you fall on, Ron DeSantis’s decision on this will set up a serious precedent for social media laws.
But whether you’re logging off or not, be great.
— GCTV Staff
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