TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A bill that would ban minors under the age of 16 from using social media passed the Florida House 106-13 on Wednesday.

“We must act to protect Florida’s children from these addictive features, the mental health disorders caused by excessive use, and the risk of exposure to predatory activities,” said Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Brevard), who sponsored the bill.

House Bill 1 would require social media platforms to terminate social media accounts of minors under the age of 16.

The bill requires that social media companies have an independent, private, third-party age verification service, that the personal data collected on minors under the age of 16 be permanently deleted, and data collected by the third party authentication must also be deleted

Parents are also empowered under the measure to bring a cause of action against social media platforms that fail to terminate a minor’s unlawful account.

Democrats argue the bill goes too far. Some Democratic members suggested less restrictive measures such as allowing parents to opt in or opt out of allowing their children to use social media.

During debate on Wednesday, several representatives spoke against the bill, with some calling it government overreach.

Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) said the bill is too broad and worries about children missing out on important digital skills, which some younger people have turned into a living. Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-Miami) said the bill goes against parental rights.

Many who spoke in favor of the bill said sexual predators use social media to prey on minors. Rep. Michele Raynor (D-St. Petersburg) said cyberbullying is leading to an increase in young people taking their own lives, asking how many more had to die by suicide before something was done.

Similar bills have been introduced in the Senate but have not yet been heard.

If passed the measure would go into law July 1.