Jacob Ogles
Gov. Ron DeSantis still hopes to see changes to a social media bill already passed by the Legislature. The legislation (HB 1) bars anyone under 16 from having a social media account on platforms with specified addictive features.
For the second time in as many days, DeSantis told reporters he believes parents should have a say in decisions about their kids. The Governor said he has no problem imposing greater enforcement mechanisms on age verification, but still wants an opt-in for parents of children at a certain age.
“On the one hand, federal law says 13 and under can’t have social media accounts. That’s not really enforced. If it’s the law, it should be enforced,” he said.
“Then when you add 14 and 15, you can definitely show how these platforms can have a negative effect, and I’ve always said I think social media is a net negative for kids. At the same time, we’re somebody that’s believed in involving parents as much as possible. So while I think that there are harms associated with that, I do think parents could supervise in ways where it’s used in ways that could be beneficial.”
He made similar comments the day prior, but those came before final language passed out of the Legislature. Both chambers have already agreed on final language and the bill is ready to be sent to the Governor.
Rep. Tyler Sirois, a Merritt Island Republican, said he would defer to House leadership on whether negotiations should happen in any form with the Governor’s Office. But he reiterated comments he made on the floor suggesting that parental permission for platforms was a non-starter with lawmakers.
“If you accept these addictive features are causing our children harm, parental consent is not an option,” he said.
The Senate passed a number of changes to the bill making clear the all-out ban only applies to platforms that have proven to be addictive for children. It spotlights features like infinite scrolling.
Sen Erin Grall, a Fort Pierce Republican, also added language to say the ban will be imposed for any platform where 10% or more of young users spend at least two hours a day online.
“Our legislation narrowly focuses on the features of any given platform, as there is scientific evidence to demonstrate that these features are addicting our children and are ultimately harmful,” Grall told Florida Politics in an email before the bill passed.
“We, as a society, have said that when we are presented with something that is addictive and harmful, like tobacco products, it is our role and responsibility to step in and not allow children to engage in this harmful behavior.”
8 comments
JD
February 23, 2024 at 2:07 pm
HAHAHA the legislative branch is not afraid of the big bad wolf anymore.
It should be more disturbing, they’re churning out the same culture war and zealot ideology.
This means they need to be removed from public office and have people that will govern for the people.
Cheesy Floridian
February 23, 2024 at 10:00 pm
I agree with you
Dont Say FLA
February 24, 2024 at 5:32 pm
The legisltators all know what the sunshine doesn’t know about Rhonda’s expenditures over the last two years of world travel for purposes of Rhonda’s private campaign.
The sun will shine, sooner or later. Everybody hates Rhonda. It’s just a matter of time until somebody gets tired of their little plaything being such a bee yacht-ch.
Tom
February 23, 2024 at 3:21 pm
I wondered what would happen when rhonda came back, fresh from losing, with his tail between his legs. He’s gone full Rodney Dangerfield – just can’t get no respect. Now we know it’s just not him but the whole effing lot of them. Good thing the mindless crap they’re passing means nothing to most people other than the state has to pay to defend this crap in court.
Christians Only In The USA, we get it 🤷🏻♂️
February 23, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Dumb LOVES company; aren’t these boobs nearby-ish?
Donald Trump denounced the Alabama Supreme Court for making it “harder” for American families to have children.
The former president took to Truth Social to voice his opposition to the recent ruling that frozen embryos should be considered “children.” He called on Alabama’s state legislature to “find an immediate solution to preserve the availability of IVF in Alabama.”
Border Buddies
February 23, 2024 at 3:57 pm
They share a border 🙈🙊🙉
Dont Say FLA
February 24, 2024 at 5:29 pm
I’m sure Matt Gaetz will be the decider for whether to issue social media user licenses to children under 18 years old, and his decision will certainly require a private meeting between him and the young’un.
Parents not allowed. That way, uhhh, the kids are, ummmm, free to speak freely. Yeah. No parents in the Gaetz meetings with your children to decide whether they’re adult enough for the internet.
Matt Gaetz Babysitting Services
February 24, 2024 at 10:17 pm
😁
Comments are closed.