TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Florida House passed a measure banning social media for minors Wednesday afternoon, citing positively correlated levels of child suicide and usage of these platforms. Meanwhile, Democrats voiced concerns over restricted parental rights and the positives that social media can provide.
"Studies have shown that social media is having a devastating impact on our kids," One sponsor of HB 1, Rep. Tyler Sirois, said on the House Floor, "The PEW research reports an alarming increase in suicide rates and self-harm particularly among young girls. The Mayo Clinic has found that children utilizing social media in excess of three hours per day have an increased risk of mental health disorders."
"Like a digital fentanyl, our children are challenged to break this habit—which literally deprives them of sleep and sunshine," Sirois added.
The bill bans children under the age of 16 from social media. To ensure this, HB 1 mandates social media platforms utilize a third-party age verification site to analyze each user. If social media platforms refuse to comply, they face a $50,000 fine per penalty. If a minor or a minor's guardian reports an illegal account, a company is liable for up to $10,000 in civil damages to be paid to the minor or their guardian.
In debate, some Democrats highlighted concerns over parental freedoms and the bill's neglect of social media's potential benefits.
"As a State, with this bill we are telling parents that you are not fit to be a parent—to make the best decision for your child," Rep. Darryl Campbell said, explaining the bill's blanket ban on all minors regardless of parental wishes, "This is a complete government overreach."
"Social media was a friend group for me," Rep. Anna Eskamani said of her own experience growing up, "I was able to meet people going through similar things."
In a Democratic split, Democratic co-sponsor Rep. Michele Rayner disagreed with her party members, delivering an emotional speech over the evils of cyberbullying and social media addiction.
"These companies are making sure they can make as much money as possible. And I have to be clear, they are doing it on the backs of our children and they don't care," She said, before delving into a series of stories of children committing suicide due to cyberbullying, "The fight for our children, the fight to protect them on social media, is a fight that I will take everyday—and twice on Sundays."
In a 106-13 vote, the bill passed the House Floor.
