Social media now unlawful for kids under 14 in Florida

Florida has just enacted a new law restricting social media access for children. Those aged 15 and under must now obtain their parents’ consent to have a social media account, while children under 14 aren’t allowed to have one at all. That’s no more TikTok, no more Snapchat, no more Facebook, and no more Instagram.Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 3 (HB 3) on Monday, after previously vetoing similar legislation earlier this month. At the time, he cited the imminent arrival of a “superior” bill that would “[support] parents’ rights.” It appears that HB 3 is that bill. SEE ALSO: Instagram Reels reportedly shows sexual content to users who only follow children “Social media harms children in a variety of ways,” said DeSantis in a statement on Monday. “HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children.”The new law will go into effect from Jan. 1 next year, which gives Florida’s kids a bit of time to either persuade their parents to sign their permission slip, or download all their posts before their accounts are deleted.Many social media platforms already impose age requirements in their terms of service. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat all require users to be at least 13 years old, while TikTok provides users aged 13 and under with a “curated, view-only experience… that includes additional safeguards and privacy protections.” HB 3 will impose a higher legal age limit of 14, as well as charge penalties to social media platforms for any violations.How to legally use…Social media now unlawful for kids under 14 in Florida