Multiple States Propose Social Media Restrictions for Minors

Legislative efforts across various states are intensifying to regulate minors' access to social media, with proposals reflecting a growing concern for children's safety online. In Washington, Senate Bill 5708 aims to extend privacy protections to users aged 13 to 17, requiring platforms to avoid addictive content and protect personal data. Meanwhile, Alabama's House bills propose banning social media accounts for those under 16 and imposing parental controls for users up to 18, although critics highlight potential privacy violations. Florida's new law, effective January 2025, prohibits children under 14 from having accounts and mandates parental consent for older teens, while another bill seeks to enhance monitoring of minors' messaging. Iowa is also considering a bill that would require parental permission for minors to create social media accounts, reflecting a bipartisan push towards increasing parental control. These legislative measures have sparked debate around the effectiveness and implications of restricting minors' online activities.