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The governor is expected to veto the bill, but a Senate procedural move would allow lawmakers to add a negotiated proposal to a related bill that had been in a Senate committee.
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With a Friday deadline looming, Speaker Paul Renner said that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out difference on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social media platforms.
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The governor has until March 1 to decide whether to sign the proposal, a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, who argues social media harms children’s mental health and can be used by sexual predators.
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Supporters of the measure say allowing chaplains would add another tool to help schools address children’s mental health issues. The bill would need approval from the Senate.
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If signed by the governor, children under 16 will be kept from popular platforms regardless of parent approval. Supporters point to rising suicide rates among children, cyberbullying and online predators.
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The bill seeks to prevent kids from creating accounts on “addictive” platforms. Sen. Erin Grall likens social media use to drug use. Opponents express concern about First Amendment rights.
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The Legislature is close to passing a measure restricting social media accounts for children under 16, and some of them say they aren’t willing to lose access.
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The Naples United Church of Christ hosted a youth mental health community forum for local health care players and mental health experts to show their progress toward a more well community.
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Supporters say it will provide another resource for children during tumultuous times, while opponents say consequences include children receiving bad or unwanted spiritual advice.
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Bill supporters say that social media platforms are addictive and harmful to the mental health of children. Critics are concerned about the First Amendment and parental rights.