The 2024 Florida Legislative Session has seen a slate of bills aimed at regulating social media for youth. While meant to address the negative impacts of social media on mental health, these bills will likely place further censorship on LGBTQ-inclusive content and cut off critical resources for young people.

HB 1/SB 1788

Bans anyone under the age of 16 from creating a social media account. Any existing accounts of anyone under 16 would also be terminated. Additionally, social media companies would be required to put disclaimers around things like the use of addictive design and data security policies.

HB 207/SB 1430

These bills have the same text as HB1/SB1788 regarding disclaimers on social media platforms, but would not ban social media for users under 16. While the provisions in this bill could actually be beneficial for social media users, it is likely that these bills would be amended to include additional restrictions if the other bills fail.

HB 3/SB 1792

Censors sexual content that “lacks serious literary, artistic, or political value" for users under 18.

SB 454

Places restrictions on what content minors can access on social media, including content that promotes “grooming.” Apps would be required to implement parental restrictions that would restrict access based on time and location.

While social media does often have negative impacts on mental health, banning it altogether would do more harm than good by removing critical resources for youth, including online mental health support. These bills will disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ content, which has frequently been misconstrued as “grooming.” Additionally, sexual health educational materials could be swept up in bans, leaving young people at higher risk of STIs, pregnancy, and more.

We need you to let your legislators know that you do NOT support legislation that increases censorship, isolates young people, and cuts off their access to critical resources.