*Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida State and Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner, in the United States, emphasise the social media platforms are fraught with risks from traffickers and paedophiles, stating such ‘platforms have caused a devastating effect on the mental well-being of our children’

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As a veritable measure to protect the young generation in regard to reported effects the platforms are having on teens in the United States (US), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Monday, March 25, 2024, signed a law restricting social media access for minors under 16.

绿帽献妻 reports with Florida signing the law, there are now three states that have taken legal action regarding kids鈥� social media use in the US.

鈥淏lack teens are the most active of any group on social media and messaging apps 鈥� they are more likely than white teens to use platforms like Snapchat or Instagram and messaging apps like Kik, and to use them more frequently,鈥� says a report.

In effect, those 13-year-olds and younger will not be able to open a social media account in the state, whereas 14- and 15-year-olds will need parental consent to use such social media platforms.

It was also gathered in spite of the worries about social media, the law has also raised free speech concerns, and comes at a time when right-wing state governments have pushed controversial 鈥減arental rights鈥� legislation, notably affecting education in the American country.

Lawmakers and DeSantis said they were 鈥渢rying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids,” agency report said.

Commenting on the new law, Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner asserted the social media is fraught with risks from traffickers and paedophiles, and that 鈥渟ocial media platforms have caused a devastating effect on the mental well-being of our children.鈥�

Most platforms require users to be 13 or older, though they do little in terms of enforcement, according to report.

Recent reports indicated that there has been a rising concern about the effects of social media on child and teen development and learning across the United States.

However, the law reportedly has also sparked concerns among those worried it sets a precedent for restricting consumers’ free speech online.

Governor DeSantis, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for President of US and dropped out January, nonetheless, argued several times that parents should have more control over decisions affecting their children, particularly in education.

Parental rights legislation in Florida, and other states has sought to give parents more input in areas deemed controversial, especially education around LGBTQ topics in schools in the country.

As the social media restriction for teens gives parents oversight on the matter, others however, contend that the regulatory authorities should stay out of such fights altogether.

Hitherto, DeSantis had vetoed a stricter social media ban, which would have blocked access for those under age 16.

The Florida Governor, at the time, had maintained that a better balance was needed between competing parental rights, privacy issues and free speech in cyberspace.

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