US State Bans Social Media For Children Under 14
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law restricting social media access for minors under 16 on march 25th, as the effects of the platforms on teens generate rising concern in the United States.
Those 13 years old and younger will not be able to open a social media account in the state, and 14- and 15-year-olds will need parental consent to use such platforms.
Despite worries about social media, the law has also raised free speech concerns and comes at a time when right-wing state governments have pushed controversial parental rights legislation, notably affecting education.
Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner said that social media is fraught with risks from traffickers and pedophiles, and that social media platforms have caused a devastating effect in the mental well being of the children.
