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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that introduces stringent regulations on children’s access to social media platforms. Under the new law, children under the age of 14 are banned from using social media altogether, while 14- and 15-year-olds must obtain parental consent to create accounts.

The legislation, signed into law on Monday, addresses growing concerns about the detrimental impact of social media on young people’s well-being. Supporters of the measure argue that it will shield children from online risks that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Initially proposed by the state’s Republican-led legislature in February, the bill underwent modifications before receiving Governor DeSantis’s approval. Originally, the legislation sought to bar children under 16 from accessing social media entirely. However, DeSantis vetoed the initial version, citing concerns about parental rights.

The amended bill now empowers parents to grant consent for older children to engage on social media platforms. Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the law mandates social media companies to terminate accounts of individuals under 14 and those aged 16 who lack parental approval. Additionally, platforms are required to implement a third-party verification system to prevent underage users from accessing their services.

Governor DeSantis emphasized the harmful effects of social media on children, stating that the legislation provides parents with greater control over their children’s online activities. Proponents of the law assert that it addresses a pressing need to mitigate the negative repercussions of excessive social media use among young individuals.

by Vyara Gancheva

To get angry is inherent to everyone and is easy, just like giving away money and spending one’s resources, but not everyone possesses, nor is it easy for everyone, to know why, how much, when, for whom, and how one should do it. Aristotle

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a key factor in developing healthy behavioral patterns and can play a significant role in preventing addictions. EI encompasses an individual’s ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express their own emotions, as well as to comprehend and influence the emotions of others. This is particularly important in the context of addictions, where emotional issues often serve as both causes and consequences of addiction.

• Self-awareness: One of the key aspects of EI is self-awareness. Understanding one’s own emotions and their impact on behavior is a crucial step in preventing unhealthy behavioral patterns, such as addictions.
• Self-regulation: The ability to manage emotions is vital for preventing impulsive and potentially harmful behaviors. This includes delaying the satisfaction of needs and reacting to emotional states in a healthy way.
• Social skills: EI also involves the development of effective communication skills and the ability to interact positively with others. This helps individuals build supportive social networks critical for preventing addictions.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others is important for developing strong interpersonal relationships, providing emotional support, and helping individuals avoid the isolation often associated with addictions.
• Conflict resolution: EI includes conflict resolution skills, crucial for preventing stress and tension that may exacerbate or trigger behavioral addictions.
• Stress management: The ability to cope with stress is a significant component of EI. Stress management skills can reduce the likelihood of turning to harmful behavioral patterns as a coping mechanism.
• Self-motivation: EI also includes the ability for self-motivation and goal-setting, helping individuals maintain focus on healthy and productive activities rather than resorting to addictions.
• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps individuals process their emotions in a healthier way.
• Resilience: EI contributes to the development of resilience, the ability to recover from challenges and stress. Resilient individuals are more likely to cope with challenges in a healthy manner without resorting to addictions.

Emotional intelligence can be nurtured and strengthened throughout one’s life, with direct benefits for health, relationships, and work.

How can the development of emotional intelligence be helpful in overcoming addictions?

• Self-awareness: Understand your emotions and their influence on your behavior.

Recognize emotional needs that may drive you towards gambling or video games as coping mechanisms.

• Self-regulation (Emotion management): Learn to control impulsive reactions through breathing exercises, sports, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
• Empathy: Develop the ability to understand and respect the emotions of others, fostering healthier relationships and reducing the need for escape through gambling or video games.
• Social skills: Improve your ability to navigate social dynamics and norms, reducing feelings of isolation that can lead to addictions.

• Motivation and goal-setting: Set meaningful goals for yourself, aiding in staying focused on healthy activities and steering away from addictive behaviors.

• Seeking professional help: Many seek assistance from professionals like psychologists or coaches to enhance their emotional intelligence. Such support can provide individualized strategies for coping.

Education and awareness: Gain knowledge about the risks and consequences of addictions. Understanding these aspects can help you make more informed decisions. The development of emotional intelligence is a lifelong process that requires time and consistency.

Be patient and persistent in your efforts, and remember—emotional literacy is a form of preventing addictions.