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We all know someone whose child has been hurt by social media. I’ve heard so many stories that I can’t even count them.
One friend’s daughter had suicidal thoughts due to an experience she had on a popular platform. The daughters of two different friends decapitated themselves after spending too much time on social media.
So many parents have watched their daughters or sons get stuck in a vicious cycle while getting more posts and likes.
Florida is working to protect children from some of the most harmful and addictive social media platforms. (St. Petersburg)
As parents of two young children, my wife and I are already worried about what will happen if our children are exposed to social media. It is no exaggeration to say that we are concerned about their future and even their lives.
Social media safety advocacy group urges parents to ‘wake up’ and take responsibility for big tech in children’s lives
It’s time to keep our children safe. That’s why the state of Florida is working to protect children from the most harmful and addictive social media platforms.
This week, the Florida House and Senate are expected to overwhelmingly pass bipartisan legislation to that effect. We are narrowly targeting social media platforms that promote addiction while ensuring that children continue to have access to the myriad educational, entertainment, and productive tools available online.
Children deserve the many opportunities that the Internet provides. They also have the right to be protected from the worst the internet has to offer.
Our laws do not allow children under the age of 16 to create accounts on social media platforms that target them in a way that concerns them. This includes the use of separate algorithms designed to keep kids glued to the screen for as long as possible, as well as intentionally addictive features like infinite scrolling and video autoplay.
The bill also limits platforms where at least 10% of young people spend more than two hours a day, a threshold that research has shown threatens children’s mental health. Many children spend far more time on social media, and when teens reach 3 hours a day, they are twice as likely to suffer from depression.
Children who are already struggling with mental health issues are hurt the most. Algorithms and addictive features provide an endless supply of content about exactly what to avoid, from self-harm to suicide.
Young girls are particularly vulnerable, and with the rise of social media, their well-being has plummeted. We live in an era where 57% of high school girls report persistent feelings of hopelessness or loneliness, and 41% report monthly mental health problems.
Worst of all, a whopping 30% of high school girls have considered suicide in the past year. This is a crisis. The crisis is further exacerbated by toxic social media.
Youth and social media: American Psychological Association issues guidance on safe use and ‘instructions’
Social media did not have to go down this path, and under our laws children will continue to be allowed to use platforms to do the right thing. We just need to remove algorithms and addictive features that target children.
Companies may say it is not in their economic interest, but protecting children’s mental development is far more important than corporate profits. Tobacco companies, breweries, distilleries, and strip clubs could make more money by targeting children. But of course it’s illegal.
Some ask why we don’t leave these decisions in the hands of parents. My answer is simple. We are strengthening parental rights.
The war to save teens from social media
Social media companies design algorithms and features that outsmart children and parents alike. The primary influence over children should be their parents, not algorithms designed by strangers, and similar laws are designed to assist parents in the difficult task of raising children.
When children are legally prohibited from drinking alcohol, parents have more leeway to help their children grow and find a path to a fulfilling life. Protecting children from harmful social media is no different.
The past two decades have been one big experiment in how social media affects American children. The results are coming, but they are pathetic to look at.
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Corporations are intentionally addicting children to something that deeply hurts them. More children than ever are suffering, driven into depression, self-harm, and taking their own lives.
Florida will no longer allow this experiment to continue. Our children are too important to fall victim to social media failures.
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