Children under 14 years old are banned from using social media in Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB25 into law on March 3, banning children under 14 from having social media accounts. It is possible that this document will face legal problems, reports NBC.

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Soon, children 14-15 years old will need parental consent before they can join certain platforms.

HB3 directs social media companies to delete existing accounts of people under 14 years of age. Those who do not do this will be held accountable. According to this law, a minor may be awarded compensation in the amount of up to $10 thousand. Companies found to be violating the law will incur costs of up to $50 for each failure to comply, and they will also have to pay attorneys and court costs.

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“We are trying to help parents navigate the current very difficult situation of raising children. Therefore, I appreciate the work that has been done,” DeSantis said in his speech during the law signing ceremony.

The governor had previously vetoed a more restrictive version during the draft law stage that would have prohibited registration social media posts for kids up to 16 years old. In this case, Florida residents were required to provide ID or other identifying documents to join the social networks.

Concern or violation of rights

HB3, set to take effect in January 2025, comes amid concerns from some parents that platforms are not doing enough to keep their children safe online.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other supporters of the new law argue that social media use will harm children's mental health and lead to perverts communicating with minors.

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Several states that have passed similar laws to restrict social media for teens, including Ohio and Arkansas, are facing a challenge from NetChoice LLC, a coalition of social media platforms.
It is possible that this Florida law will face legal challenges due to claims that it violates the First Amendment.

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