Gov. DeSantis says he still wants social media to allow parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds

Gov. Ron DeSantis still hopes to see changes to a social media bill already passed by the Legislature. The legislation (HB 1) bars anyone under 16 from having a social media account on platforms with specified addictive features.

For the second time in as many days, DeSantis told reporters he believes parents should have a say in decisions about their kids. The Governor said he has no problem imposing greater enforcement mechanisms on age verification, but still wants an opt-in for parents of children at a certain age.

“On the one hand, federal law says 13 and under can’t have social media accounts. That’s not really enforced. If it’s the law, it should be enforced,” he said.

“Then when you add 14 and 15, you can definitely show how these platforms can have a negative effect, and I’ve always said I think social media is a net negative for kids. At the same time, we’re somebody that’s believed in involving parents as much as possible. So while I think that there are harms associated with that, I do think parents could supervise in ways where it’s used in ways that could be beneficial.”