Florida is currently considering a law that would prohibit children under the age of sixteen from using social media. Critics argue that this proposed legislation could negatively impact various aspects of teenagers’ lives, such as their ability to stay connected with friends, express themselves, and participate in sports.
One significant concern is the potential hindrance to sports recruiting efforts. Many young athletes utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and YouTube to showcase their skills, share highlights, and interact with college coaches.
For instance, sophomores Emma Markin and Phoenix Donghia emphasize the importance of using Instagram to post highlights and follow colleges, increasing the chances of getting recruited.
“I use Instagram to post my highlights and to follow colleges so they know I am interested in them. This will hopefully help me to get recruited,” declared Markin.
In addition to individual efforts, young athletes often contribute to their teams’ online presence. Mackenzie Bryan, a freshman, manages her club team’s Instagram account, where she posts schedules, locations, and updates. This not only demonstrates productivity and commitment but also aids in team recruitment.
Grace Havlicek, a senior, shares her enjoyable experience running the Benjamin girls’ volleyball team’s Instagram account, emphasizing how it fosters team bonding.
“I run the Benjamin girl’s volleyball team Instagram and it is so much fun making the posts according to the themes and having the team help me decide what to post,” said Havlicek.
YouTube is another valuable tool for athletes seeking recruitment. Players and their parents often upload game videos to platforms like Hudl and YouTube to compile statistics and create highlight reels. This content becomes crucial for showcasing teamwork and individual skills to potential college coaches.
The concern raised by athletes and advocates is that if Florida passes this law, it could limit teenagers’ access to these crucial platforms and, consequently, hinder their chances of getting recruited. The current use of YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter/X serves as a vital avenue for athletes to connect with coaches and showcase their talents, making the proposed legislation potentially detrimental to their future in sports.
