A new law set to take effect in Florida aims to safeguard children from the potential risks of social media.
Starting Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, children under the age of 14 will be prohibited from opening social media accounts. Platforms will also terminate accounts suspected to belong to users under 14 unless a parent provides consent.
For teens aged 14 and 15, parental permission will allow account creation. To ensure compliance, social media companies are required to use third-party verification methods for all new accounts.
This law has sparked varied reactions. Local teens in Jacksonville, such as Ainsley Stephan, see it as a positive move.
Related: Here’s a look at the 9 new Florida laws going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025 | PornHub revokes Florida access starting Jan. 1 over state’s new age verification law
“I think this is actually pretty good because I think social media has a pretty big impact on kids’ mental health and how they view the world,” Stephan said. “If they don’t have it, it’ll help clear their mind and prevent anxiety and depression.”
Ella Gotham echoed this sentiment, saying, “I think we just get so trapped in our phones. All I do on my phone is look at social media, and I think this will be good.”
Stricter controls for adult content
The new law also introduces measures for adult content websites, requiring them to implement age verification. Noncompliance could lead to fines of up to $50,000 per violation.
In response, adult site Pornhub has announced it will block access to Florida residents starting Jan. 1.
This follows similar actions taken by the site earlier this year in Texas, another state that has implemented strict online regulations.
Additional laws take effect
Florida isn’t stopping with social media and adult content controls. Eight additional laws are set to go into effect at midnight, covering a range of issues.