Social media is a way for everyone to connect on digital wavelengths, where unlikely friendships occur and where memories are stored. From the young age of 13, everyone has “legal” access to social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Tiktok. However, now in the state of Florida, the legal age to access social media might be pushed all the way up to 16.
On January 24th, 2024, Florida House of Representatives approved a bill to ban social media for kids under 16. This ban aims to target websites that allow children to upload content or use addictive features designed to cause compulsive use. With a vote of 106 to 13, the bill is now headed to the Senate which is majorly controlled by Republicans, who approve of this bill.
I do not believe they can enforce this ban in the way they hope. There are many loopholes that children can go through in order to invade this. For example, lying about the year they were born, using fake names and even creating fake IDs. Passing this ban can cause more damage than it does good. This will cause children to lie more, to find ways to do something they are not allowed to do. The incentive and thrill to do something that is “illegal” is common amongst teenagers.
Personally, I was on social media platforms way before I was allowed to be. Discord at a young age and Twitter at an even younger one. It is extremely easy to lie and get away with it. While it’s silly to think about now, it felt good having these apps behind my mother’s back and that’s where the danger lies.
They also stated that their ban aims to target websites/apps that allow children to upload content but, wouldn’t that ban quite literally all social media platforms? Even the “harmless” ones such as Youtube, WhatsApp, Messenger and more. All social media requires posting, it’s in the name.
Florida also does not have quite a good track record when it comes to following through with legislation they have already passed, such as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” Quite a lot of schools still teach about gay rights when it relates to history or topics relevant to the class. Where is the punishment for those who are not cooperating? If they cannot manage this bill in schools, what makes Florida legislators tackle a monster as big as the internet?
While I think it is a “good idea” to try and limit social media due to its toxicity, I quite frankly believe it is impossible. There are too many loopholes that children can jump through, not enough people to enforce it, and just another “stain” on Florida’s legislative record.
