BlockNews
FOLLOW ON X
  • CRYPTO
  • FINANCE
  • POLITICS
  • MEMECOINS
  • NFT
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
BlockNews
  • CRYPTO
  • FINANCE
  • POLITICS
  • MEMECOINS
  • NFT
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
BlockNews
Home POLITICS

Florida House Votes to Ban Under-17s from Social Media

by Conie
January 26, 2024
in POLITICS
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
1
SHARES
21
VIEWS
Share on XShare in TelegramShare on Reddit
  • The Florida House passed a bill banning social media for minors under 16, requiring platforms to delete accounts and implement age verification. The measure aims to address concerns about mental health risks.
  • The bill’s sponsor called social media “digital fentanyl” but some Democrats opposed it as contradicting parental rights. Supporters cite research on potential harms, while critics say it undermines parents and raises free speech issues.
  • The bill faces uncertainty, with industry groups like Meta and Netchoice arguing it is unconstitutional overreach. But its House approval shows bipartisan worries about social media’s impact on youth.

The Florida House of Representatives passed a new bill this week that would ban social media for minors under 16. The bipartisan measure, known as HB 1, was approved in a 106-13 vote on Wednesday.

What the Bill Would Do

HB 1 aims to prohibit minors under 16 from creating new social media accounts. It would also require platforms to terminate existing accounts belonging to users below that age threshold.

Companies would need to implement age verification systems to identify account holders who are under 16 and don’t have parental consent. The law would take effect in July if passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Reactions from Legislators

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota), referred to social media as “digital fentanyl” in arguing for its passage. She said tech companies are aware these platforms can be addictive but have failed to protect minors.

Some Democrats opposed the measure, saying it contradicts recent GOP efforts in Florida to expand parental rights. “In this bill we’re saying parents have no ability at all to make the ultimate decision,” said Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-Miami).

Potential Benefits and Harms of Social Media Use

According to a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory, 95% of 13–17-year-olds use social media currently. Research shows potential mental health benefits like community building. But studies also reveal increased risks of anxiety, depression, and other issues.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Florida Representatives approve bill to ban social media for kids under 16

— BlockNews.com (@blocknewsdotcom) January 26, 2024

Pushback from Industry Groups

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, opposes HB 1. In a letter, it argued the bill would undermine parents’ authority and fail to create “robust industry-wide standards.”

NetChoice, a tech trade group, also criticized the measure as unconstitutional government overreach. Similar laws have been blocked in other states after lawsuits from NetChoice and digital rights organizations.

Conclusion

The fate of Florida’s social media ban for minors remains uncertain. But its approval in the House shows bipartisan concern over social media’s impact on youth. If enacted, it would establish the most restrictive policy yet limiting technology companies and underage users.

Tags: FloridaFlorida House of Representative
TweetShareShare
Previous Post

Bitcoin Pumps Past $42,000 Despite Major Grayscale Outflows: Here is Why

Next Post

WEN Token’s Astounding 4,000% Surge Takes Solana by Storm

DON'T MISS THESE! HOT OFF THE PRESS

President Trump Says Crypto is Good for the Dollar, Claiming Genius Act Will Ensure America’s Dominance
CRYPTO

President Trump Says Crypto is Good for the Dollar, Claiming Genius Act Will Ensure America’s Dominance

July 18, 2025
Trump Signs Genius Act Stablecoin Act, Says They Named the Bill After Himself
CRYPTO

Trump Signs Genius Act Stablecoin Act, Says They Named the Bill After Himself

July 18, 2025
Trump to Sign Landmark Crypto Regulation Bills: Here is What We Know
CRYPTO

Trump to Sign Landmark Crypto Regulation Bills: Here is What We Know

July 18, 2025
Ethereum’s $150B Run: Is This Just the Warm-Up?
CRYPTO

Ethereum’s $150B Run: Is This Just the Warm-Up?

July 18, 2025
House Passes Key Crypto Bills—GENIUS Act Heads to Trump’s Desk
CRYPTO

House Passes Key Crypto Bills—GENIUS Act Heads to Trump’s Desk

July 17, 2025
Trump Admin Says No More Taxes on Small Bitcoin Payments
BITCOIN

Trump Admin Says No More Taxes on Small Bitcoin Payments

July 17, 2025
Load More

Related News

Litecoin Jumps 10%—Can a $100M Bet From a Biotech Company Kick Off a Bigger Rally?

Litecoin Jumps 10%—Can a $100M Bet From a Biotech Company Kick Off a Bigger Rally?

July 18, 2025
Here’s Why Dogecoin’s Jumping Again Today

Here’s Why Dogecoin’s Jumping Again Today

July 18, 2025
PEPE’s Making Noise, But Is RTX the Sleeper Hit of 2025?

PEPE’s Making Noise, But Is RTX the Sleeper Hit of 2025?

July 18, 2025
Is Polkadot Dead or Just Getting Started? Here is the Shocking Truth

Is Polkadot Dead or Just Getting Started? Here is the Shocking Truth

July 18, 2025
President Trump Says Crypto is Good for the Dollar, Claiming Genius Act Will Ensure America’s Dominance

President Trump Says Crypto is Good for the Dollar, Claiming Genius Act Will Ensure America’s Dominance

July 18, 2025
Twitter Telegram Threads

BLOCKNEWS.COM

BlockNews

BlockNews.com is your premier source for real-time cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial market news.

Our mission is to deliver accurate, timely, and insightful information to help both seasoned investors and newcomers navigate the evolving digital economy.

With in-depth analysis, exclusive insights, and up-to-date news, BlockNews.com keeps you informed on the latest trends in crypto, DeFi, NFTs, tech, and beyond.

Stay ahead of the herd with BlockNews.com

RESOURCES

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

POPULAR TOPICS

$ADA $XRP AI Avalanche Binance Bitcoin Bitcoin ETF blackrock Blockchain BTC Business Cardano Chainlink China Coinbase Coinglass crypto cryptocurrency Crypto Exchange Crypto Regulation DeFi Dogecoin Donald Trump Elon Musk ETF eth ethereum Federal Reserve Finance FTX grayscale Memecoin metaverse Microstrategy NFT NFTs PEPE ripple sec Shiba Inu Solana Stablecoin Web3 X xrp

GET QUICKER UPDATES ON X

© 2022-2025 BlockNews.com - Crypto and NFT news website by Aiur Labs.

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • CRYPTO
  • MEMECOINS
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • POLITICS
  • FINANCE
  • NFT
  • DEFI
  • GUIDES

© 2022-2025 BlockNews.com - Crypto and NFT news website by Aiur Labs.