In a bid to protect children's safety and mental health, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that places limitations on social media use for minors. The legislation, known as HB3, prohibits children under the age of 14 from joining social media platforms in the state. Those aged 14 or 15 will need parental consent before they can create an account.

Additionally, the bill mandates social media companies to delete the accounts of users under the age of 14. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in potential lawsuits, with affected minors eligible to receive damages of up to $10,000. Furthermore, companies found to be in violation of the law may face penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, along with attorney's fees and court costs.

During the bill-signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital age. He alluded to the difficulties in balancing children's online presence with their safety and well-being.

It is worth noting that Governor DeSantis previously vetoed a more stringent version of the bill, which sought to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16. The earlier version also required identification submission for joining social media platforms, a provision that was omitted from the signed bill.

This legislation, set to take effect in January 2025, reflects a growing national trend of regulating social media platforms to safeguard children online. Concerns from parents about inadequate protection measures on these platforms have prompted calls for accountability. In December, over 200 organizations urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize voting on the Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to hold apps and online platforms liable for content recommendations that may negatively impact minors' mental health.

Earlier this year, tech industry CEOs, including those from TikTok, Meta, and X, faced scrutiny from lawmakers regarding child safety online. The executives reiterated their commitment to ensuring children's well-being and highlighted the tools available to prevent online exploitation.

Proponents of Florida's new law, such as House Speaker Paul Renner, argue that excessive social media usage can have detrimental effects on children's mental health and potentially make them vulnerable to communication with sexual predators.

Despite Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner acknowledging potential legal challenges ahead, they remain resolute in their support of the legislation. However, critics, including NetChoice LLC, a coalition of social media platforms, raise concerns about the law infringing upon First Amendment rights. Representatives from NetChoice referred to the legislation as unconstitutional and called for alternative approaches to online safety.

Governor DeSantis maintained that the bill's provisions adhere to the Constitution, emphasizing his commitment to vetting legislation for constitutionality. Speaker Renner highlighted that the bill addresses the addictive features of social media platforms, rather than regulating speech, maintaining that the First Amendment remains intact.

Florida's recently enacted law joins similar measures implemented in other states, such as Ohio and Arkansas. Notably, NetChoice LLC has challenged such laws in the past. It is anticipated that Florida's legislation will face legal scrutiny as well.

As the debate continues, Florida's new law represents an ongoing effort to balance online safety for children with the importance of protecting their freedom of speech within the digital landscape.