TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill that aimed to give parents more control over their children’s online activity, especially when it comes to apps and adult content, has stalled in the Florida House, but lawmakers say the conversation is far from over.
Senate Bill 1438 would have required digital age verification for websites hosting adult content and forced app stores to seek parental approval before children under 16 could download new apps. It also would have required developers to build in parental management tools and ensure applications were age-appropriate for minors.
[Watch video below to hear parent react to Florida bill]
But despite support from many parents and state leaders, the bill failed to make it through the House this week.
“I think, when a kid has a cell phone, it connects to the internet, and they have basically access to the world,” said Justin Johnson, a father of four. “So the more precautions and protection we can put in place for kids, the better.”
The proposal followed legislation signed into law last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans social media accounts for children under 14 and requires parental consent for teens 14 and 15. That law is currently facing legal challenges in federal court.
Meanwhile, Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced a lawsuit against Snapchat, claiming the platform “isn’t doing enough to protect minors.” The suit accuses the popular app of violating Florida’s new social media law.
Supporters of the stalled bill say the push for parental control is only gaining momentum.
“I think this bill is probably a step in the right direction of providing more protection for kids,” Johnson added. “Ultimately, it’s parental responsibility, but I think this is helpful.”
Other parents voiced similar sentiments.
“I can communicate with her, I can track her, I know where she’s at,” said Joshua Allen, a father of three. “But also, to feel the peace to know what she has access to—I think is super cool.”
Johnson, who is also a pastor, says parents should also encourage their kids to disconnect sometimes.
“It’s important to not just be connected to the world outwardly, but inwardly as well,” he said. “To have time away from technology… whether it’s a place of prayer, meditation, or just being quiet and connecting with one another. That’s super important.”
Though the bill won’t pass this session, lawmakers say they plan to revisit it in 2026—just in time for the next election cycle.
