Florida Bans Children Under 14 From Social Media

Agency Report

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a law restricting social media access for minors under 16 on Monday, as claims of effects of the platforms on teens generate rising concern in the United States.

The bill which has been signed into law by the governor, directs social media firms to delete the accounts of under 14-Years and introduces fines of up to $50,000 for violations.

Parental consents will also be needed of children aged 14 and 15, before signing up for platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Social media companies who fail to delete accounts risk being sued on behalf of children – with the minor awarded up to $10,000 (£7,908) – and could also be fined up to $50,000 (£39,538) per violation of the law.

The state’s Republican speaker Paul Renner called the bill his top priority, explaining that social media is filled with risks from traffickers and pedophiles, “social media platforms have caused a devastating effect in the mental well being of our children.”

The new Law is set to come into effect from January next year, although challenges by firms claiming it violates the US constitution are expected but ” We’re going to beat them and we’re never, ever going to stop.” Mr Renner said

There has been rising concern about the effects of social media on child and teen development and learning, across the country.

Parental rights legislation in Florida and other states has sought to give parents more input in areas deemed controversial, especially education around LGBTQ topics in schools.