Florida is on the verge of passing one of the nation’s most restrictive bans on minors’ use of social media after the state Senate passed a bill Thursday that would keep children under the age of 16 off popular platforms regardless of parental approval.

The measure now goes back to the state House, where the speaker has made the issue his top priority during the legislative session that ends March 8. Still, critics have pointed to similar efforts in other states that have been blocked by courts.

The bill targets any social media site that tracks user activity, allows children to upload material and interact with others, and uses addictive features designed to cause excessive or compulsive use. Supporters point to rising suicide rates among children, cyberbullying and predators using social media to prey on kids.

  • Nate Cox@programming.dev
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    9 months ago

    Most laws are fairly easy to bypass. You can jaywalk all day, purchase illegal fireworks, drive your car at ridiculous speeds, etc.

    Should we just stop trying because some people choose to break the law?

    If even half of parents complied it would make it so very much easier to say no to social media for your own children. It would also provide a very tangible excuse for why you’re saying no.

    • Tremble@sh.itjust.works
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      9 months ago

      You can’t regulate your own children, so you think it makes sense to try and regulate all children.

      Whatever dude. Stop trying to pass laws “for the children”. It’s b.s

      • Nate Cox@programming.dev
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        9 months ago

        I’m not sure if you’re intentionally being obtuse or you just didn’t actually read my original post above. Either way, I’ll invite you to take a second read.

        • Tremble@sh.itjust.works
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          9 months ago

          Sometimes it is difficult to see a whole thread on Lemmy for me. If I have taken anything out of context that stinks but happy Saturday