Florida House Passes Bill To Ban Social Media Accounts For Minors(Under 16-year-olds)

House Bill 1, which is sponsored by Florida Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois, passed with a 106-13 bipartisan vote. And it targets any social media platform that tracks user activity, allows users to upload material and interact with others, and uses "addictive, harmful or deceptive design features."

Apps used solely for private messaging between individuals would not be impacted. The bill also exempts streaming services, news, sports and entertainment sites, along with online shopping, gaming and academic sites.

The bill would force social media companies to shut down accounts believed to be used by minors and to cancel minors' accounts at their request or their parents. All information related to the account must also be deleted.

Supporters of the bill 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. He wrote Wednesday, on X: "We must address the harmful effects social media platforms have on the development and well-being of our kids. Florida has a compelling state interest and duty to protect our children, their mental health, and their childhood."

House Bill 1 now goes to the Florida state Senate for consideration. It is expected to pass in the chamber, before it is ultimately signed into law by the governor.

Facebook parent company Meta opposes the bill, but says it supports a federal legislation for online app stores to secure parents' approval for downloads by teenagers younger than 16.

Utah became the first U.S. state to adopt laws regulating children's access to social media in March 2023, followed by others, such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas, according to a legislative analysis prepared for the Florida bill.