The start date for Florida's statewide social media ban for children under 16 is set for Jan. 1, 2025, despite a federal lawsuit challenging the ban for violating First Amendment rights.
Under the new law, HB-3, children under 14 are not allowed to have their own social media accounts while 14- and 15-year-olds can make one with parental consent, according to WCTV.
Florida lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, argued the law focuses on reducing harm caused by social media platforms that are negatively affecting children's mental health. Because of this distinction, they believe the law will withstand the First Amendment challenge, WCTV reported.
"Ultimately, [we're] trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids, and so I appreciate the work that's been put in," DeSantis said while signing the bill into law on March 25, 2023.
Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody said she will not enforce the new law, however, until the case is presented in the U.S. District Court.
Tallahassee-based Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker will preside over the preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 28, 2025, and a jury trial is schedule for November 2025, according to WUSF.
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