TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A new bill successfully saw its last committee stop before the Senate floor, hoping to increase social media safety through education and prohibition of use in schools.
Proposed by Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), SB 52 would require schools to instruct on the risks of social media, such as human trafficking and cyberbullying, and effectively ban any and all social media use in schools.
“Cell phones are an immense distraction in the classroom,” Sen. Burgess explained, receiving resounding support from all senators, public school teachers and members of the Parent Teacher Association.
“This is an excellent bill,” Sen. Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami) stated, throwing her voice to the unanimous support of Sen. Burgess’ legislation.
The bill’s counterpart in the House, HB 379, would similarly restrict social media access in schools, though it specifically targets the ban of TikTok on district networks. This is tied to fears of the Chinese app and its connections to their communist government.
This legislation comes in the wake of Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Digital Bill of Rights”, a comprehensive plan designed to ensure caution and security online.
The legislation passed unanimously and will head to the Senate floor – one of its final steps in its journey to become Florida law.
