CNS News–In a bold move, Florida lawmakers are pushing for legislation to prohibit children under 16 from creating accounts on popular social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Spearheaded by Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, this proposal aims to protect young people’s mental health from the perceived dangers of social media use.
Renner likens the addictive nature of social media to opioids and tobacco, stressing the need for state intervention to safeguard children. This stance is supported by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s advisory, which outlines both the potential benefits and harms of social media on children’s well-being.
However, the proposed bill faces significant opposition. Critics, including tech industry trade groups, argue that it infringes on free speech rights and imposes excessive data collection requirements. Additionally, concerns about undermining parental rights and impacting child social media influencers have been raised.
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The proposal, which requires social media companies to implement third-party age verification systems, reflects Florida’s increasing focus on regulating the digital space for children. As debates continue, the outcome of this legislative effort could set a precedent for how social media access is controlled for minors in the U.S.