Florida Court Upholds Ban on Social Media Use for Children

A federal appeals court on Wednesday allowed Florida to implement a state law that prevents children under the age of 14 from using social media platforms

such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, rejecting arguments by two groups representing the technology sector that the law violates the First Amendment protections for freedom of speech in the U.S. Constitution.

In a unanimous ruling, a three-judge panel at the Atlanta-based appellate court vacated a preliminary injunction issued by a lower court that had halted enforcement of the law. The court stated that the law does not regulate the content provided by social media sites, and therefore does not conflict with the First Amendment.

The law prohibits social media platforms containing what are termed "addictive features" - such as auto-play video and endless scrolling feeds - from allowing children under 14 to create accounts.

NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association filed a lawsuit in 2024 to block the law's implementation. These groups include companies such as Meta Platforms, TikTok, and Snap.

Florida was among the first states to enact a law regulating children's use of social media amid broader debate over the role of apps in affecting mental health among young people.