New Social Media Laws in Florida and Australia

Many teens use social media every day, but new rules in Australia and Florida are changing how kids and teens can use these apps. Both places say they want to keep young people safe online, especially for their safety and mental health. Even though they’re trying to do something similar, the rules are pretty different, and they’ve started a lot of conversations.

A recent law in Australia bans anyone under the age of sixteen from using social media. This includes popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X. Social media companies are now required to check the users’ ages and delete accounts that belong to kids under 16. If companies don’t follow the law, they could face really large fines. Australian officials say the law is supposed to stop cyberbullying, stop contact with online predators, and how much harmful or inappropriate content kids are exposed to.

Officials also say the law could help with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which many believe are connected to the use of social media. Supporters of the law think having a clear age rule makes it easier to protect kids instead of leaving the decision up to families or the apps themselves.

Florida’s law is a little different. Kids under 14 are not allowed to have social media accounts, but teens who are 14 or 15 can still use them if their parents give permission. Parents can watch the activity, and law enforcement can access messages if they have a warrant. People who like Florida’s law say it lets parents have more control but still keeps some rules for younger kids.

A big difference between the two laws is who gets to choose. Australia’s law is for everyone under 16, no matter what their parents say. Florida’s law gives parents more say in whether their teens can use social media. In Australia, social media companies are responsible for checking ages and deleting accounts, while Florida focuses more on parents supervising their kids online.

Students at John A. Ferguson Senior High School have shared their reactions to these laws. Many students say social media is their main way of staying connected with friends. Junior Jazmine Rodriguez said, “Honestly, I talk to most of my friends on Snap or Insta. Like, if I didn’t have that, I’d barely know what’s going on with anyone.” For many teens, social media is how friendships stay alive outside of school.

Other students don’t think banning social media would really work. Junior Melanie Chang said, “People are still gonna find a way. They’ll just lie about their age or use someone else’s account, so it’s not really stopping anything.” Some students feel that rules like this might just push teens to be sneakier instead of fixing the problem. At the same time, some students understand why adults are concerned about it. Senior Israel Martinez said, “social media lowkey messes with people’s heads. You’re always comparing yourself, even when you’re just scrolling for hours.” He added that online drama and pressure to look perfect especially for younger students.

Teachers are also paying attention to how technology is affecting learning in the classroom. Chemistry teacher Mr. Beightol said phones and online tools have become a constant distraction. “I’ve been teaching for a long time, and it’s harder to keep students focused now,” he said. “You tell them to put the phone away, and five minutes later it’s back out.” He added that when students are on their phones, they miss important explanations in the lecture.

Mr. Beightol talked about AI tools like ChatGPT in schoolwork. He said some students just copy answers instead of really getting the material. “You can tell when a student didn’t do the work themselves,” he said. “They’ll hand something in, but if you ask them about it, they have no clue what it means.” He explained that learning chemistry, like most subjects, takes practice and effort, not just copying and pasting.

Parents have shared different opinions as well. Some support Australia’s ban because they believe it gives kids clear protection. They worry about cyberbullying, online drama, and how much time teens spend glued to their phones. One parent said, “At least with a rule like that, it’s not a constant argument at home about being on your phone all night.”

Other parents feel that the government shouldn’t be making these decisions. A Ferguson parent said, “Every child is different. Some kids can handle social media, and some can’t. That’s something parents should decide, not the government. These parents usually like Florida’s law better because it lets them decide instead of banning it completely.

For teens today, social media and technology are more than just entertainment. They’re how people communicate, get information, and stay connected. At the same time, concerns about screen time, learning, and mental health continue to grow, especially as technology becomes more advanced.

Australia’s law is one of the strictest social media rules in the world, while Florida’s law is more flexible and focused on parent discretion. As these laws continue to be discussed, students, teachers, and parents are watching to see how they affect everyday life.