FLORIDA LAWMAKERS PASS BILL TO RESTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS FOR THOSE 16 AND YOUNGER

The Florida House of Representatives recently approved HB1 with an overwhelming majority, 106-13. HB1 is a bill aimed at restricting access for children 16-years-old and younger from social media platforms. With bipartisan support, the bill is now headed to the Florida state Senate for consideration. HB1 is a potential law that is poised to change the future of social media for young people in that state. Social Media platforms. PIXABAY.COM “We must address the harmful effects social media platforms have on the development and well-being of our kids,” Florida House Speaker Paul Renner said in response to the vote. “Florida has a compelling state interest and duty to protect our children, their mental health, and their childhood.” HB1 is a priority for the Republican speaker. Additional supporters of the bill also state that it is necessary to enact these strict measures to protect minors “from the negative impacts of social media … and also from being victims of cyberbullying and sexual traffickers.” Children visiting social media platforms. CANVA.COM However, not all people agree with Renner and his supporters. Many parents in the state are asking shouldn’t it be up to the them and not the government to make decisions for...