JACKSONVILLE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a revised bill on Monday that prohibits children under 14 years of age from having social media accounts.
DeSantis signed HB 3, also known as the “Online Protections for Minors” bill, which was backed by various local and state leaders.
Under HB 3, social media companies would be mandated to prohibit individuals under the age of 14 from having accounts on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Those aged 14 and older would also be required to obtain parental consent.
The bill will also allow parents to decide whether 14- and 15-year-olds can have a social media account and protect the ability of Floridians to remain anonymous online.
DeSantis spoke at Cornerstone Classical Academy, a charter school in Jacksonville, and was joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. and House Speaker Paul Renner.
“Social media harms children in a variety of ways,” said DeSantis. “HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children. Thank you to Speaker Renner for delivering this landmark legislation.”
“None of us can be on the sidelines when it comes to social media and when it comes to the hardcore pornography our kids are being exposed to,” Renner said. “Social media is the primary platform that children are trafficked, and more crimes against children happen on social media than any other venue.
Renner said that children’s “excessive” use of social media has caused a devastating effect on the mental well-being of children and has led to thoughts of depression, suicide and self-harm.
“Our bill is focused on social media addiction,” Renner added. “Children are not set up to deal with these addictive technologies which is why we had to step in and have these plans in place. We can no longer stand on the sidelines.”
DeSantis had previously vetoed an earlier version of the legislation aimed at social media users under 16, which would have banned them without parental consent.
The bill, which was titled Online Access to Materials Harmful to Minors, would have limited online access to material deemed harmful to minors and would have required commercial entities that publish or distribute materials to perform age verifications to prevent access.
Critics had argued that the original bill was unconstitutional and contended the revamped bill would also not pass legal muster.
Lawmakers collaborated with DeSantis to develop legislation that aligns with his approval, now targeting children under 14 while involving parents in the decision-making process.
“Please find your community of support. As a mother, I will help do my best to champion this bill,” said Moody.
The bill would also require age verification to try to prevent minors under age 18 from having access to online pornographic sites.
The law will go into effect on July 1.
Watch the full press conference here:
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