WASHINGTON—Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million activists nationwide, including thousands of Floridians, released the following statement from Florida State Director Karen Jaroch praising Speaker Paul Renner and the Florida Legislature for passing HB 1, legislation that protects children from online exploitation by banning addictive social media and other harmful online platforms for minors under 16:
“We are just beginning to learn the disturbing extent to which social media companies have knowingly addicted and exploited kids while selling their data for profit. As a mother, I know something has to change—and I applaud Florida for stepping up to protect kids. HB 1 shields children from online exploitation by banning addictive social media and other harmful online platforms for minors under 16.
“Kids in the Sunshine State deserve to grow up without massive social media companies putting profit over their wellbeing. Heritage Action thanks House Speaker Paul Renner for leading the fight to defend Florida’s kids, and applauds the Florida Legislature for passing HB 1. We look forward to seeing Gov. DeSantis sign this landmark legislation.”
A large body of research indicates a strong link between excessive social media use and serious negative health consequences for children. Kids who spend hours per day on social media are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Heritage Action supports holding social media and other Big Tech companies accountable for selling users’ personal data, failing to safeguard minors from exploitation, and knowingly designing addictive features.
BACKGROUND:
The Heritage Foundation: Hold Big Tech Accountable
The Daily Signal: Congress: Stop Expecting Big Tech to Protect Kids Unless You Make Them
The Heritage Foundation: Social Media Is Hurting Kids, but a Fix May Be on Horizon