State Representative, Fiona McFarland, described the addictive nature of social media as “digital fentanyl” on the Florida House floor on Wednesday as Florida House lawmakers passed a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms.
According to Politico , the new legislation would prohibit anyone under the age from creating a social media account and require platforms to delete current accounts owned by minors.
Why Lawmakers Want To Ban Social Media For Children Under 16
Lawmakers suggest these social media platforms are addictive and harmful to the mental health of children. As well as the technology can serve as a child target for sexual predators. They believe the new restrictions would curb cases of bullying, depression, and suicide tied to social media.
State Representative, Tyler Sirois, says these platforms are:
Stimulating a chemical reaction in our kids to keep them hooked and to keep them coming back for more — and manipulating their behaviors.