Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from accessing social media platforms.

Individuals below 14 years old are not allowed to use social media platforms

Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, recently enacted a bill prohibiting individuals under the age of 14 from accessing social media platforms. According to Reuters news, the bill, signed on March 25, requires parental consent for 14 to 15-year-olds to utilize social media. This legislation aims to safeguard minors from online risks and promote mental well-being.

Under the new law, social media accounts of those under 14 will be deleted, while individuals aged 16 and below without parental permission must undergo third-party verification for account retention. Initially, the state legislature proposed a complete ban on social media for those under 16, but Governor DeSantis vetoed it, citing concerns about parental rights.

The revised bill, effective July 1, mandates parental consent for 14 to 15-year-olds to access social media. Governor DeSantis emphasized that this measure empowers parents to shield their children from the detrimental effects of social media.

Critics argue that the law infringes upon First Amendment rights to free speech, contending that parental, rather than governmental, oversight should govern children’s online activities.