Landmark Bill Passed By Florida House: Children Under 16 Banned From Social Media

Who would’ve thought we’d see this?

A bill was literally passed to ban kids from social media, even if their parents give permission.

I’m surprised Tik-Tok representatives didn’t line the pockets with millions to downvote the bill.

But I suppose they still have time to act.

Its next move, if you remember Schoolhouse Rock, is to go to the Senate.

Could this image soon be a thing of the past?

The youth of today, addicted to their phones.

The addiction to scrolling social media feeds could become the thing that brings down all of civilization… Not giving kids phones till their like 18 years old might be the only salvation of mankind.

— Tai Lopez (@tailopez) January 23, 2024

Fox News reports:

The Florida House passed a bill Wednesday banning children under the age of 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms – even with parental approval – in efforts to keep children from growing up “hooked” on social media.

House Bill 1, which is sponsored by Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois, passed with a 106-13 bipartisan vote. Supporters argue that children are more exposed to bullying and sexual predators on social media, and use can lead to depression, suicide and addiction.

Republican House Speaker Paul Renner said the bill should withstand constitutional scrutiny because it focuses on the addictive features of social media, not the content.

“It’s a situation where kids can’t stay off the platforms, and as a result of that, they have been trapped in an environment that harms their mental health,” said Renner, who has made social media addiction and its impact on children one of his top priorities.

Republican House Speaker Paul Renner said the bill should withstand constitutional scrutiny because it focuses on the addictive features of social media, not the content.

“It’s a situation where kids can’t stay off the platforms, and as a result of that, they have been trapped in an environment that harms their mental health,” said Renner, who has made social media addiction and its impact on children one of his top priorities.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Florida House passes bill banning children under 16 from social media: 'Kids can't stay off the platforms' https://t.co/fMlRoqGyuV

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 25, 2024

https://twitter.com/ArvindKotte/status/1749512641632952775

Parents reports on phone addiction with kids:

Since I got my phone, my attention span shortened, I tended to isolate myself from face-to-face interactions more often, and it became easier to disappear into my device for hours.

Research suggests that cell phones have altered almost everything about human life, from the way we sit, speak, and think to the way we communicate with each other and transmit and consume information. Many parents are scared about what this means for their children’s future.

The average teenager spends around seven hours and 22 minutes on their phone per day, and kids 8 to 12 years old spend about 4.5 hours per day. For many, phones have become an emotional crutch. There’s lots of research that suggests that social media is bad for the average teenager, raising anxiety and low self-esteem in those who regularly use it.

According to Teenmag.com, more than 65 percent of parents said that they take away phones or the internet as punishment.

This gentlemen has an interesting take on it.

Finally, PROOF that Phones Damage Our Kids: Parenting Issues
Explore the alarming connection between the rise in youth issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction and the increasing use of technology. We'll discuss why traditional social structures are no longer sufficient to… pic.twitter.com/6KuCWO91MQ

— Greg Baer, M.D., Relationship & Parenting Educator (@RealLoveCompany) January 23, 2024

We all seem to agree that something needs to be done about this.

But what?

Could Florida lead the way?

Will it be the lab rat for this sort of bill, as we stand back and observe the outcome?

Let me know what you think about this as well as how long you’ve gone without using social media recently.