WEATHER ALERT
Florida law seeking to limit youth access to social media violates First Amendment rights, nonprofit says
Read full article: Florida law seeking to limit youth access to social media violates First Amendment rights, nonprofit saysIn a long-anticipated move, two internet-industry groups filed a constitutional challenge on Monday to a new Florida law aimed at keeping children off social media platforms.
How a Jacksonville woman set out to save her family’s restaurant and ended up becoming a popular Instagram foodie
Read full article: How a Jacksonville woman set out to save her family’s restaurant and ended up becoming a popular Instagram foodieNews4JAX is featuring the story of Ashley Aguilar, who, in just over two years, has become a popular Instagram foodie with her account Social Feeds.
How an intern’s idea at SJC clerk’s office is helping speed up court cases using social media
Read full article: How an intern’s idea at SJC clerk’s office is helping speed up court cases using social mediaSocial media is now being used as a tool that may help court cases in St. Johns County move forward faster, and all thanks to an idea from an intern at the clerk’s office.
SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predators
Read full article: SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predatorsThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is sending an urgent warning to parents after deputies confirmed they’re investigating two separate cases involving a potentially dangerous social media trend.
Social media laws sent back to appeals courts
Read full article: Social media laws sent back to appeals courtsThe U.S. Supreme Court on Monday vacated conflicting rulings in challenges to Florida and Texas laws aimed at placing restrictions on social-media platforms, directing appeals courts to reconsider the decisions.
DCPS workshop focuses on mental health plan, student code of conduct
Read full article: DCPS workshop focuses on mental health plan, student code of conductDuval County Public Schools is holding a workshop Tuesday morning to discuss creating a mental health plan and to review the student code of conduct.
US surgeon general says ‘it is time’ to require warning labels on social media apps to help with mental health crisis
Read full article: US surgeon general says ‘it is time’ to require warning labels on social media apps to help with mental health crisisThe U.S. surgeon general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those now mandatory on cigarette boxes.
Did your favorite celebrity really endorse that product? Maybe not
Read full article: Did your favorite celebrity really endorse that product? Maybe notBefore you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can’t-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program?
Brand name product for a low, low price? Think twice, the FTC says
Read full article: Brand name product for a low, low price? Think twice, the FTC saysSocial media feeds are flooded with ads offering steep discounts on brand-name products, including luxury items. But are these offers real or a scam?
Duval, Putnam join hundreds of other school districts filing lawsuits against major social media platforms
Read full article: Duval, Putnam join hundreds of other school districts filing lawsuits against major social media platformsTwo local school districts have now joined hundreds of others around the country in filing lawsuits against the major social media platforms saying they have a role in the mental health crisis among children in the country.
The steps you need to take for online marketplace safety
Read full article: The steps you need to take for online marketplace safetySure, they can be convenient places to find great deals, but as Consumer Reports explains, there are some safety steps you need to take before you meet up to finalize an online sale.
Revamped social media ban bill heads to DeSantis’ desk; this time it would impact children under 14
Read full article: Revamped social media ban bill heads to DeSantis’ desk; this time it would impact children under 14A revamped version of a bill that would ban teens from using social media is now making its way to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk after he vetoed an earlier version.
How to combat social media addiction in children, teens
Read full article: How to combat social media addiction in children, teensIn a multi-state lawsuit against Meta, the states claim that the social media company has harmed young people’s mental health and promoted addiction. But just how harmful is social media for children and teens?
Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on government’s role, parental rights
Read full article: Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on government’s role, parental rightsAmid a debate about the role of government and parental rights, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a bill that seeks to keep children under the age of 16 off social media platforms.
Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social media
Read full article: Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social mediaThe Florida Senate is ready Thursday to pass a high-profile bill that seeks to prevent children under age 16 from creating accounts on what lawmakers say are “addictive” social-media platforms.
FBI reports alarming increase in child predators targeting families through social media
Read full article: FBI reports alarming increase in child predators targeting families through social mediaFBI officials say it is becoming easier for child predators to take advantage of families through social media, as the number of crimes against children increases year after year.
Florida Senate advances bill banning social media accounts for children under 16
Read full article: Florida Senate advances bill banning social media accounts for children under 16The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-2 to approve a bill (SB 1788) that is similar to a measure (HB 1) that passed the House last month and is a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast.
Clay County family sues social dating app Grindr after teenager’s death
Read full article: Clay County family sues social dating app Grindr after teenager’s deathA Clay County family has filed a lawsuit against the LGBTQ social networking and dating site Grindr after their underage son's death, raising questions about the responsibility of social media platforms for the mental health and safety of their users. This federal case could potentially set a precedent for other families to hold social media giants accountable. The lawsuit claims that Grindr failed to verify the age of the minor and did not implement adequate safeguards to prevent underage access. The plaintiffs allege that Grindr intentionally allowed underage users to engage in sexual activities with adult users. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the liability of social media platforms in similar situations.
Parents, we want to know: How do you monitor your child’s activity on social media?
Read full article: Parents, we want to know: How do you monitor your child’s activity on social media?Sexual predators. Addictive features. Self-harm and eating disorders. Unrealistic beauty standards. Bullying. These are just some of the issues young people are dealing with on social media — and children’s advocates and lawmakers say companies are not doing enough to protect them.
Facebook and Instagram roll out new tools to help parents keep their teens safe online
Read full article: Facebook and Instagram roll out new tools to help parents keep their teens safe onlineOnline stranger danger is a real concern on social media. As a result, Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has rolled out new tools for parents that will limit messages with kids. This, as state lawmakers want to ban minors from using social media altogether.
TELL US: What do you think about stricter settings for teens on Instagram and Facebook?
Read full article: TELL US: What do you think about stricter settings for teens on Instagram and Facebook?Meta has announced stricter message settings for teens on Instagram and Facebook. The company said, "We're building on our work to provide age-appropriate experiences for teens, and to make it simpler for parents to shape their teens' online experiences."
Florida House ready to pass social media restrictions for children, teens
Read full article: Florida House ready to pass social media restrictions for children, teensThe Florida House is poised to pass a bill aimed at preventing children under age 16 from using social media, as parts of the tech industry argue the measure could be unconstitutional and create data-privacy concerns.
Iowa school shooter’s TikTok post raises questions about social media’s role in mass shootings
Read full article: Iowa school shooter’s TikTok post raises questions about social media’s role in mass shootingsAfter reports showed the 17-year-old Iowa school shooter made several social media posts around the time of the shooting, some people are questioning the role of social media in preventing tragedies like this.
Logging off social media in the New Year could be a mentally healthy resolution
Read full article: Logging off social media in the New Year could be a mentally healthy resolutionIf you’re tired of the same old New Year’s resolutions, like working out more or trying to lose weight, we’ve got another idea for you. How about trying a social media detox?
Why the BBB says you should never pay to recover your social media account
Read full article: Why the BBB says you should never pay to recover your social media accountLately, BBB Scam Tracker has seen multiple reports of a scam in which con artists trick people out of their money by promising they can recover social media accounts.
Average teen gets more than 230 notifications on their cell phone each day, study finds
Read full article: Average teen gets more than 230 notifications on their cell phone each day, study findsA new study is shining a light on the amount of time teenagers are spending on their cell phones and social media every day.
Company that protects kids from online predators says Wizz social media app ‘not good for kids’
Read full article: Company that protects kids from online predators says Wizz social media app ‘not good for kids’A cyber watchdog company wants to keep kids safe from online predators, especially if kids are using an app called Wizz.
Reciprocal IVF journey: Jacksonville couple gives birth 3 days apart after carrying each other’s babies
Read full article: Reciprocal IVF journey: Jacksonville couple gives birth 3 days apart after carrying each other’s babiesFaith and Cassandre decided to swap eggs and carry the other’s baby — at the same time.
One click caused small business owners to lose Instagram accounts to scammer
Read full article: One click caused small business owners to lose Instagram accounts to scammerTwo Jacksonville small businesses were the victim of a scam that left them locked out of their social media accounts, meaning they lost a vital part of their marketing.
Teens use of social media could cause mental health issues
Read full article: Teens use of social media could cause mental health issuesTeens use of Social Media could cause mental health issues. U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory report details depression and anxiety as result of excessive social media use.
Tell us: How do you feel social media plays a role in your child or children’s mental health?
Read full article: Tell us: How do you feel social media plays a role in your child or children’s mental health?Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, is calling for “immediate action” by tech companies and lawmakers to protect kids’ and adolescents’ mental health on social media.
News4JAX wins ‘Best Social Media Engagement Strategy’ award from Local Media Association
Read full article: News4JAX wins ‘Best Social Media Engagement Strategy’ award from Local Media AssociationNews4JAX submit examples of content the digital department created that showcased out-of-the-box teaching styles, the use of trends, and different ways to reach audience members.
‘Dangerous and audacious’: Street racers shut down Jacksonville highway to perform overnight car stunts
Read full article: ‘Dangerous and audacious’: Street racers shut down Jacksonville highway to perform overnight car stuntsThe video shows cars spinning out with passengers hanging out of the window recording video. Others perform a blockade on the highway. There’s a line of traffic stopped with some motorists honking their horns in anger.
The Snapchat AI feature makes me want to delete the app
Read full article: The Snapchat AI feature makes me want to delete the appI’m very much aware that I have no control over the decisions social media apps and organizations make, but it would have been nice to know that a strange little AI bot was going to show up as a Snapchat friend.
Jacksonville woman becomes victim of Hyundai car theft TikTok trend
Read full article: Jacksonville woman becomes victim of Hyundai car theft TikTok trendPolice started warning the public about a social media trend that continues to increase Hyundai and Kia car thefts across the United States in 2022.
Children under 13 would be banned from social media under bipartisan Senate bill
Read full article: Children under 13 would be banned from social media under bipartisan Senate billIn addition to parental consent, the bill would also ban users under the age of 13 from assessing social media platforms.
I-TEAM: ‘Disingenuous and disappointing,’ African American pastor reacts to punishment of JSO Sergeant
Read full article: I-TEAM: ‘Disingenuous and disappointing,’ African American pastor reacts to punishment of JSO SergeantJSO Sgt. Douglas Howell was accused of posting racist tweets. In one, he said America’s biggest problems are marijuana abuse and Black people. He also called members of the LGBTQ community sick and demented, and he made disparaging remarks about Mexicans. Following a six month investigation, internal affairs found that Howell did indeed violate two counts of JSO’s social media policy, but they did not find evidence to prove that his bias affected the way he does his job,
TELL US: Will you pay for a verification subscription to Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter? Why or why not?
Read full article: TELL US: Will you pay for a verification subscription to Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter? Why or why not?Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, has announced a new paid verification subscription service for its users.
Suspect in custody after ‘credible’ social media threat against Sadie Tillis Elementary, DCPS police chief says
Read full article: Suspect in custody after ‘credible’ social media threat against Sadie Tillis Elementary, DCPS police chief saysSadie Tillis Elementary School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning because of a “credible” social media threat, prompting buses to be diverted and a warning to families to keep their students home until further notice.
2 Bishop Snyder baseball players charged with making threats toward African American teammate
Read full article: 2 Bishop Snyder baseball players charged with making threats toward African American teammateTwo Bishop John J. Snyder High School baseball players were arrested Monday in connection with threats made toward their African American teammate, according to reports from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Controversy surrounds Bishop John J Snyder High School baseball team after alleged racist comments surface
Read full article: Controversy surrounds Bishop John J Snyder High School baseball team after alleged racist comments surfaceBishop John J Synder High School boy's Baseball team were the 2022 3A District Two Champions. But now, the team is in the limelight of social media for alleged racist comments and threats against its only African American player.
Shocking, heartwarming & sad stories: The 2022 News4JAX social posts that clicked most with you
Read full article: Shocking, heartwarming & sad stories: The 2022 News4JAX social posts that clicked most with youIn 2022, more people watched videos on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook than in years past. This led to News4JAX reaching more than 400 million people with our content.
Social media expert breaks down national security concerns surrounding TikTok
Read full article: Social media expert breaks down national security concerns surrounding TikTokIncreasing concerns are being raised over the video-sharing social media app TikTok, now among the most-downloaded and used apps of its kind in the United States.
TELL US: What do you think about the proposed bans and restrictions on social media app TikTok?
Read full article: TELL US: What do you think about the proposed bans and restrictions on social media app TikTok?The U.S. Senate has approved legislation to to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. Georgia and other states are either blocking or proposing to block TikTok on state devices, including college campuses.
Father of the year: Photo of soot-covered coal miner sitting with son at Kentucky basketball game goes viral
Read full article: Father of the year: Photo of soot-covered coal miner sitting with son at Kentucky basketball game goes viral“My amazing husband started his day at 4:45 a.m. that morning and worked all day. Then drove straight to the arena to meet us and enjoy the game with our son! We are truly blessed with such an amazing man, and beyond thankful! We love our coal miner.”
Florida takes fight over controversial social media law to U.S. Supreme Court
Read full article: Florida takes fight over controversial social media law to U.S. Supreme CourtThe question, according to attorneys, is whether the state can prevent a tech company from hosting content that it deems inappropriate.
Can you get fired over a social media post? Spoiler alert: yes.
Read full article: Can you get fired over a social media post? Spoiler alert: yes.Other posts to stay away from, misleading for false posts, offensive opinions on topical events, confidential information, posts that show you lied to your employer, racy posts, or posts that show illegal activity.
Cybersecurity expert offers warning as cryptocurrency scam sweeps TikTok
Read full article: Cybersecurity expert offers warning as cryptocurrency scam sweeps TikTokCybersecurity expert Chris Hamer recommends everyone have a particular mindset in place to avoid falling victim to get-rich-quick schemes online.
‘As easy as 1-2-3′: Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cables
Read full article: ‘As easy as 1-2-3′: Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cablesThieves tear out the steering column behind a push-to-start button and use a simple USB cable to start the ignition. This affects Kia models from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021. Both companies say 2022 vehicles have been modified to prevent this.
Jacksonville mother ‘didn’t know son’s Xbox could connect to social media’ after he threaten day care shooting, police say
Read full article: Jacksonville mother ‘didn’t know son’s Xbox could connect to social media’ after he threaten day care shooting, police sayTo many parents, an Xbox is just a gaming system. But in reality, the Xbox is a computer much like a desktop hard drive.
Hey, brother! How these siblings from Roanoke, Virginia became the oh-so popular ‘Super Carlin Brothers’
Read full article: Hey, brother! How these siblings from Roanoke, Virginia became the oh-so popular ‘Super Carlin Brothers’You have to meet Jonathan and Ben Carlin, if you’re not familiar with them already.
In wake of mass shootings, psychologist breaks down how social media fosters aggression
Read full article: In wake of mass shootings, psychologist breaks down how social media fosters aggressionWe know the gunman who murdered 19 children and two teachers at a Texas elementary school made chilling posts on social media. There are a lot of people blasting social media for glorifying violence and adding to the threat our children face.
‘Try to take our guns and you’ll learn’: Florida lawmaker stirs controversy with tweet aimed at Biden
Read full article: ‘Try to take our guns and you’ll learn’: Florida lawmaker stirs controversy with tweet aimed at BidenFlorida lawmaker Randy Fine drew criticism Wednesday after tweeting a message aimed at President Joe Biden who called for the nation to act after a gunman shot and killed at least 19 children at a Texas elementary school.
Cloning vs. Hacking: How to spot the difference when you are targeted
Read full article: Cloning vs. Hacking: How to spot the difference when you are targetedNews4JAX Consumer Investigator Lauren Verno sat down with OnDefend Security CEO Chris Freedman to discuss the differences between two popular social media problems circulating the cyber world: cloning and hacking.
Appeals court: Florida law on social media unconstitutional
Read full article: Appeals court: Florida law on social media unconstitutionalA Florida law intended to punish social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for allegedly discriminating against conservative thought is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.
Gov. DeSantis: Florida to make $15-$20M in profit when Twitter completes sale to Elon Musk
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis: Florida to make $15-$20M in profit when Twitter completes sale to Elon MuskGov. Ron DeSantis said on Monday that Florida stands to make a $15 to $20 million profit once Elon Musk completes his purchase of Twitter for $44 billion and takes it private.
Instagram page showing photos of students in bathroom removed, but similar accounts remain
Read full article: Instagram page showing photos of students in bathroom removed, but similar accounts remainDays after News4JAX reported about an Instagram page labeled as coming from Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts that included photos of students using the bathroom, the page’s content was removed from the social media platform.
How many restrictions are too many when it comes to your child’s cellphone? Students give perspective
Read full article: How many restrictions are too many when it comes to your child’s cellphone? Students give perspectiveYour children's safety is your top priority, but there's a fine line to walk when protecting them, especially when it's time for their first cellphone. You want to trust them, but how do you also battle the pitfalls of social media, possible bullying and your child's curiosity?
Another social media threat aimed at Florida university
Read full article: Another social media threat aimed at Florida universityNot even a day after authorities said a University of North Florida student threatened a mass shooting on social media, another threat was made on the same app. This time, it was at the University of Florida.
Flagler deputies arrest teen accused of making school threat on TikTok, Instagram
Read full article: Flagler deputies arrest teen accused of making school threat on TikTok, InstagramThe Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said it’s made an arrest following a string of social media threats that have been made against schools across the country.
Becoming an influencer: How a love for ‘Real Housewives’ turned into a career for this Detroiter
Read full article: Becoming an influencer: How a love for ‘Real Housewives’ turned into a career for this DetroiterSamantha Bush created the Instagram account @BravoHistorian on a whim, just looking for an outlet to share her opinions about all the ridiculous reality TV shows on the Bravo network.
Facebook profits rise amid revelations from leaked documents
Read full article: Facebook profits rise amid revelations from leaked documentsAmid fallout from the Facebook Papers showing its failure to address the harms its social network has created around the world, Facebook on Monday reported higher profit for the latest quarter, buoyed by strong advertising revenue.
Social media expert skeptical of Facebook’s new controls for children using its platforms
Read full article: Social media expert skeptical of Facebook’s new controls for children using its platformsFacebook has announced it’s preparing to roll out new controls that are designed to encourage teenagers to take a break and steer them clear of content that’s not conducive to their well-being.
🔒 School officials warn students against latest TikTok challenge ‘smack a staff member’
Read full article: 🔒 School officials warn students against latest TikTok challenge ‘smack a staff member’Schools are warning students about new social media “challenges” that are circulating on sites like TikTok.
Facebook exec defends policies toward teens on Instagram
Read full article: Facebook exec defends policies toward teens on InstagramSenators fired a barrage of criticism Thursday at a Facebook executive over the social-networking giant’s handling of internal research on how its Instagram photo-sharing platform can harm teens.
DeSantis asks secretary of state to investigate Facebook
Read full article: DeSantis asks secretary of state to investigate FacebookRepublican Gov. Ron DeSantis asked Florida’s secretary of state to investigate Facebook on Monday based on a news article that reported the social media company gives preferential treatment to politicians, celebrities, professional athletes and other prominent people.
Clay County school police warn students not to participate in new TikTok challenge
Read full article: Clay County school police warn students not to participate in new TikTok challengeClay County District Schools Police Department is warning students not to participate in a new social media challenge.