The Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would prohibit children under 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms even with parental approval, in an effort to prevent children from becoming “addicted” to social media.
House Bill 1, sponsored by Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois, passed on a bipartisan vote of 106-13. Supporters say children are more vulnerable to bullying and sex offenders on social media, and that social media use can lead to depression, suicide and addiction.
“They're taking advantage of kids growing up. That's their business model. And why would they do that? To keep kids hooked… If the platform has every autoplay, every like… , push notifications because of the dopamine hit that every action gives kids,'' Sirois told Kids Associated Press.
The bill does not specify which platforms would be affected, but any social media that tracks user activity, allows users to upload material and interact with other users, and uses addictive features. Targeted platform. Apps used only for private messaging between individuals are not affected.
Republican bill would ban social media access to protect children under 16 from dangerous 'emotional distress'
The Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill with bipartisan support 106-13 that would ban social media for children under 16. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Republican House Speaker Paul Renner said the bill should withstand constitutional scrutiny because it focuses on the addictive nature of social media rather than its content.
Regarding social media addiction and its impact on children: “We are in a situation where children are unable to leave the platforms, and as a result, they are trapped in an environment that is damaging their mental health.'' Social media addiction said Renner, who studies the effects on children. His top priority.
“We must address the negative impact social media platforms have on the development and well-being of our children,” he continued Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter). , and there is a compelling national interest and obligation to protect children.” their childhood. ”
The bill would require social media companies to close accounts believed to be used by minors or cancel minors' accounts at the request of the minor or their parent. is. All information associated with your account must also be deleted.
Senators aim to ban children under 13 from using social media with bipartisan bill
Democratic Representative Michelle Reiner referenced her late mother when expressing support for the bill, echoing comments made by Mr. portions were shared on the House floor.
“I'm 42 years old…and comments like this were a fist pump for me. But I was able to get through it,” she said. “Imagine what our babies would have to deal with if they were subjected to the same cyberbullying by their friends at school.”
Opponents of the bill say it violates the First Amendment, deprives some children of the benefits they get from social media, and that parents should decide whether their children can use social media. he claimed.
Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani said she found solace and support on social media when she was 13 years old after her mother died.
“I think the intentions of the people who introduced[the bill]are absolutely good. We are concerned about the influence of social media on young people,” Eskamani said. “I think the solution you're proposing is too broad and a broad solution with unintended consequences.”
Opponents of House Bill 1 say it not only violates the First Amendment, but also protects children from the benefits of using social media, including the ability to “gather information and learn about new opportunities.” They claim that it deprives them of benefits. (St. Petersburg)
Meta, which owns a handful of social media platforms, asked the House of Commons to consider requiring parental approval for apps aimed at children under 16, rather than banning them. They also want to address the issue at the federal level and avoid applying various state laws. topic.
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“Many of today's teens are using the internet and apps to responsibly gather information and learn about new opportunities such as part-time jobs, higher education, civic and church meetings, and military service.” Representative Calder Harville-Childs wrote in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee. . “By banning admission to youth under 16, Florida risks putting its youth at a disadvantage compared to other youth.”
The bill now goes to the Senate.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
