Children under the age of 14 in Florida will be banned from using social media from next year, according to a new legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The law requires children aged 14 and 15 to obtain parental consent before joining online platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Social media companies will be liable to remove existing accounts for those under 14 or face fines. The bill aims to protect children from harmful content and addictive technologies present on social media. Similar measures have been proposed in the UK following the tragic murder of Brianna Ghey by online predators.
Research has shown that social media negatively impacts the mental health of young people, with cyber-bullying, self-esteem issues, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and early sexualization being prevalent concerns. A significant majority of Mirror readers supported the idea of banning under 14s from social media, highlighting the need for parental monitoring and regulatory control. Supporters believe that children are not emotionally equipped to handle the dangers of social media, and emphasize the importance of protecting minors from harmful content. However, some readers expressed concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing such legislation and stressed the role of parental responsibility in monitoring their children’s online activities.
The legislation in Florida is expected to become effective in January 2025 but may face legal challenges from firms claiming it violates the US constitution. Brianna Ghey’s mother has echoed calls for stricter measures, advocating for bans on social media and smartphones for children under 16. She advocates for monitoring apps and parental controls to prevent access to dangerous online platforms. The bill aims to address the growing concerns around minors accessing harmful content like the dark web and desensitizing them to violence. It also seeks to hold social media companies accountable for promoting inappropriate material to children.
The overwhelming support from Mirror readers for banning under 14s from social media reflects a growing consensus on the need to protect children from the dangers of online platforms. Concerns about cyber-stalking, predatory behavior, and exposure to inappropriate content underscore the urgency for stricter regulations and parental involvement. While some readers acknowledged the challenges of enforcement and the role of parental responsibility, they emphasized the detrimental impact social media has on young minds. The call for greater control and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard children from the negative effects of social media remains a key priority for many.
The bill in Florida aims to address the growing concerns surrounding children’s access to social media and the detrimental impact it has on their mental well-being. By prohibiting under 14s from using online platforms without parental consent, the legislation seeks to safeguard minors from harmful content and addictive technologies. Given the widespread support for such measures, there is a growing consensus on the need for stricter regulations and parental monitoring to protect children from the dangers of social media. The tragic case of Brianna Ghey has highlighted the urgency of implementing these safeguards to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of young people.
