TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A revamped version of a bill that would ban teens from using social media is now making its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk after he vetoed an earlier version.
House Bill 3 would ban social media accounts for children under 14.
Social media notifications and auto-play videos are some of the addictive social media features Florida lawmakers said are dangerous to children’s mental health.
Proponents of the bill said if passed, it would “literally save the lives of children.”
TELL US | Do you think a law limiting social media for children will make a difference?
Local parent Wayne Pullum said he would consider supporting the legislation.
“I would give that some serious consideration, you know, or have some really tight restrictions,” Pullum said.
Lauren Busta and Jenny Morrow both have kids under the age of 3, but social media is something they’re already thinking about.
“I’m a fan of the wait till eighth. So at least waiting until 8th grade. Obviously, we haven’t really put too much thought into it yet. But we already limit like iPad use, and we monitor what they’re watching,” Busta said.
Morrow said as a mom, navigating social media is “terrifying.”
“They’re growing up in a totally different generation than we are. So to have to think about what they’re exposed to, versus what we were, and it was already hard enough right now, you know, it’s hard being a girl growing up,” Morrow said.
The original bill would have banned minors under 16 from popular social media platforms regardless of parental consent. The new bill is more lax and keeps parents in the equation.
WATCH | Gov. DeSantis on social media bill for minors
House Bill 3 would require social media companies to ban accounts belonging to someone under the age of 14 to be on sites like Instagram and TikTok. Kids older than 14 would need a parent’s permission.
Kelvin Goode is an attorney who’s helping thousands of parents in Florida who say their children were victimized by social media.
“Government is starting to realize the harm that these social media apps are causing for kids mental health across America,” Goode said.
Goode’s website “Claims Hero” puts parents in touch with lawyers and helps them navigate the arbitration process to fight back against social media giants.
“Every week I’m speaking to hundreds of parents and they all have a similar story. Their kids used to be outgoing, friendly, social want to be involved in sports and activities. And since using TikTok they’re showing signs of withdrawal, depression, anxiety, loneliness, body dysmorphia issues,” Goode said.
While Goode is on board with a social media ban for minors, moms like Busta and Morrow believe the decision should really be up to parents.
“At the end of the day, though, it always starts with the parents and the parents monitoring and, you know, making those choices for their families and what works best for their families,” Morrow said.
If DeSantis signs House Bill 3 into law it would go into effect on July 1.