Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that would bar young people under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, potentially making the state the first to implement such a ban. Governor DeSantis has yet to sign the bill, which he acknowledges will face legal challenges. Federal courts in other states have already struck down similar laws, raising concerns about potential free speech violations for social media companies and young users.
Florida’s new social media law, passed on Thursday, requires social media platforms to 1) prevent users under 16 from registering and 2) terminate accounts they know or believe to belong to minors. Based on their features, this likely applies to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
Why the ban on social media for minors under 16
Florida’s law is the strongest yet in a national movement to limit kids’ access to social media. Many adults are concerned about the possible harm to young people’s mental health and safety from spending too much time online. This has led to more government attention and rules for social media companies.
Some groups worry that limiting social media could stop teenagers from doing everyday things online, like watching news videos. They also say it might make it harder to find information and connect with others about important topics like politics, health, and identity.
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