Florida Republicans are pushing legislation that would prevent children under 16 from having a social media account but they are not getting support from parents recently polled.
A new poll from the Citizens Awareness Project (CAP) finds that 80% of parents believe they should have the final say, not the government on whether teens should be able to access social media apps.
“Our results show parents know best – not the government,” said CAP. The group says social media reforms should guarantee parental consent and give parents the tools they need to ensure healthy social media habits.
Critics of the legislation say the bill does nothing to empower parents but instead imposes a social media ban even if their parents approve.
The poll by CAP said parents found this proposal as an extreme overreach by government officials that puts the government in control of parenting.
The bill mostly backed by Republican lawmakers argued its “common sense” legislation, but CAP says parents don’t see it that way when parental consent is left out.
Similar laws passed in other states have been knocked down and ruled in favor of parents having the final authority on their children’s use social media.
CAP says only 20% of Florida parents support ban on social media bill.
