The governor of Florida (USA), Ron DeSantis, signed into law this Monday (25/3) a bill that prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts. The measure comes into force on January 1, 2025.
According to the new law:
- Accounts used by children under 14 must be closed by social media companies.
- Teenagers aged between 14 and 15 can obtain a profile on social media, as long as they have their parents’ consent.
Although it does not mention specific platforms, the project refers to all that allow content to be sent.
Project divides opinions
In February of this year, another bill that entirely prohibited access to children under 16 was approved by the state legislature. However, the measure was vetoed by Governor Ron DeSnatis, claiming that it would be limiting parental rights.
“Social media harms children in many ways,” the governor said in a statement.
He also said the legislation “will give parents greater ability to protect their children.”
The project is at the center of a debate about the effectiveness of the measure. Some believe the law could curb the harmful effects of social media on the well-being of children who are overly connected to these platforms.
Others say the legislation violates the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protections for free speech. For this group, parents should make decisions about their children’s online presence, regardless of age, not the government.
