social media

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.

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.

Young entrepreneurs and activists are worried about a proposal to ban social media for kids under 16 — even with consent of their parents. The state Senate may still make further changes to the bill.

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.

Changes pertained to the criteria for determining which platforms would be subject to the restrictions. House Speaker Paul Renner has argued that social media is harming the mental health of children.

Supporters say the measure would protect children from "addictive features" to modify the way that kids behave, while opponents say it would infringe on First Amendment rights.

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.

As Florida lawmakers consider legislation to protect kids online, the top tech executives from Meta, X, TikTok, Snap and Discord get the fifth degree from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A day after the House passed the measure, which seeks to prevent children under 16 from having social media accounts, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said the chamber will start moving forward with it.

Children under 16 would be banned from social media platforms regardless of parent approval under a measure that is the top priority for the House speaker.