TAMPA, Fla. — A proposed bill banning kids under 16 from using social media will go to the Florida Senate for a vote on Wednesday.
The bill, which aims to address concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, has garnered attention as it progresses through the legislative process. Proponents of the bill cite alarming statistics on teen suicide rates and self-harm incidents as key reasons for its necessity.
If passed, the bill would require social media platforms to implement age verification tools and allow parents to request the deletion of their child’s account. However, opinions on the bill remain divided, with some questioning the government’s role in regulating children’s online activity.
Notably, the bill has been refined to specify which social media platforms would be affected. Platforms with features that promote excessive engagement, such as autoplay and push notifications, would be subject to the ban. However, certain exceptions, including email and interactive gaming, have been outlined.
In addition to the social media ban for children, Florida senators will also vote on a separate bill mandating age verification for sites deemed harmful to minors.
As the debate on the proposed legislation continues, stakeholders are closely watching the outcome of the upcoming Senate vote on the child social media ban.
