"Florida House Advances Bill Banning Minors from Social Media as New York City Mayor Declares it an 'Environmental Toxin'"

Florida's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit anyone 16 and younger from using social media, citing concerns about children's mental health and addiction. The bill, which has bipartisan support, faces potential legal challenges and criticism from free speech advocates. Social media companies, including Meta, have urged lawmakers to consider alternative measures, while opponents argue that the bill infringes on parental rights and could harm vulnerable children. The legislation is part of a broader trend in statehouses across the country to address the impact of social media on youths, with at least 35 states and Puerto Rico proposing similar measures.