A federal judge has temporarily blocked Florida’s sweeping social media restrictions on minors, casting doubt on the state’s effort to control youth access to popular platforms amid mounting legal scrutiny.
The law, which was signed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for those under 16.
The legal challenge against the law is ongoing, with Judge Mark Walker’s recent ruling suspending its enforcement for now, according to the Washington Examiner.
Judge Walker acknowledged that parents and lawmakers “have sincere concerns” about social media’s impact on young users but questioned the constitutionality of Florida’s approach.
He described the law as “an extraordinarily blunt instrument” and said it was “likely unconstitutional” because it broadly restricts access to online content without sufficient nuance or protections.
This ruling is part of a broader national debate about social media’s role in children’s lives.
Over the past few years, studies have linked excessive social media use among youth to rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
For instance, the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory warns of disrupted sleep patterns and mental health concerns linked to youth social media exposure.
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