Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill restricting social media use for children under 14.
The law prohibits children under 14 from opening social media accounts and allows children between the ages of 14 and 15 to open accounts with parental consent.
Governor DeSantis argued that social media harms children in various ways, including depression, self-harm, and suicide. He stated that the law would also prevent children from accessing pornographic websites through age verification features and provide parents with the opportunity to protect their children.
Opponents of the law, however, argue that it is unconstitutional, noting that similar laws have been struck down by courts in other states.
The law is expected to take effect on January 1, 2025.
HISTORY OF THE BILL
The Florida House of Representatives had passed a bill on January 25 that would have banned social media use for children under 16, regardless of parental consent. However, DeSantis vetoed the bill on the grounds that it violated parental rights.
News Source: AA
