When classes begin on August 10 for students in Palm Beach County, they will notice that they can no longer access TikTok on the computers or devices provided by their schools.
This change is due to a new law that will take effect on July 1, banning the popular short video-sharing application on all state-owned devices. Additionally, the law prohibits school districts from using the app to promote school activities.
The ban was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May, who stated that the goal was to keep the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) out of the Sunshine State. TikTok, which has over 150 million users in the United States, is owned by the Beijing-based technology company ByteDance.
Concerns have been raised by DeSantis and other government leaders that the Chinese government might compel the company to hand over American users’ data.
In response to these concerns, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman named Mao Ning stated in March that China’s government has never requested or will request companies to collect or provide data, information, or intelligence from foreign countries.
She added that the U.S. has not presented any evidence thus far to substantiate claims that TikTok poses a threat to U.S. national security, as reported by The Associated Press.
For TikTok users, especially those in pre-K through eighth grade in Florida who are prohibited from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in the classroom, the application has been a space for self-expression, self-discovery, and connecting with other LGBTQ+ individuals.
According to a Pew Research Center study, 33% of TikTok users relied on the social media platform for news in the past year, an increase from 22% in 2020. However, TikTok has been a source of controversy for school administrators. Certain viral TikTok challenges have led to instances of school property vandalism, and the site has also been used to spread threats of violence towards schools.
Heather Frederick, the Chief Finance Officer of Palm Beach County Schools, mentioned that the school district can easily block apps on school devices.
Currently, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are already blocked on the school district’s Wi-Fi networks. Nonetheless, students can still disconnect from the school Wi-Fi and access social media sites using their personal data on their own devices.
However, Frank Barbieri, the school board Chairman, cautioned Superintendent Mike Burke about the possibility of catching parents off guard with the TikTok ban.
He suggested that the communications department should communicate the message in advance to prevent an influx of parents complaining about their children not being able to access TikTok.
In addition to educational matters, Florida offers various recreational opportunities. Lake Eola, located in Downtown Orlando, provides a serene environment for relaxation, picnics, and observing the surroundings.
The neighboring neighborhoods boast attractions such as museums, fine-dining restaurants, and captivating historical architecture. North of Orlando, the upscale town of Winter Park is worth a day trip, featuring charming brick-paved streets, unique shops, and world-class art galleries.
Of course, no visit to Florida would be complete without experiencing its famous theme parks. Walt Disney World Theme Parks offer a magical adventure for visitors of all ages, while LEGOLAND Florida, the largest of its kind in the world, guarantees a day of fun-filled exploration.
If you have a preference for cultural experiences, a trip to the Sunshine State also presents an opportunity to visit Epcot. Apart from exciting rides and shows, Epcot’s World Showcase showcases the culture, cuisine, and architecture of 11 different nations.
