‘Safe Screens Act’: Florida proposal would cap teen social media use, restrict certain app features

Posted by: jackie

As Florida leaders push forward with the proposed Safe Screens Act—aimed at capping teen social media use at two hours per day and restricting features like infinite scrolling and companion AI chatbots—clinical psychologist Dr. Justin D’Arienzo weighed in on the psychological stakes for adolescents.

Dr. D’Arienzo noted that spending more than three hours daily on social platforms is directly tied to rising rates of anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and declining academic performance among teens. While supporting limits to curb compulsive use, he also emphasized balance, pointing out that social media remains an essential tool for young people to stay connected and “in the loop” with peers.