The article "Florida Has Banned Kids Using Social Media, but It Won’t Be That Simple" by David French in The New York Times discusses the complex relationship between children's use of smartphones and social media, their mental health, and legislative attempts to regulate these technologies. David French acknowledges the growing concern over the impact of smartphones on children, particularly teenagers, drawing from the work of Jonathan Haidt, who has extensively documented the negative effects of smartphones and social media on the mental health and development of young people. Haidt's findings suggest that the constant access to the internet, facilitated by smartphones, has dramatically altered aspects of young people's lives, contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

French, however, expresses skepticism towards governmental intervention as the solution. He argues that parents are better suited than regulators to manage their children's digital interactions, citing the importance of preserving constitutional freedoms, such as the First Amendment rights of children. He details how recent attempts by states, including Florida, Utah, Ohio, and Arkansas, to regulate minors' access to social media and protect their mental health have faced legal challenges, underscoring the difficulty of imposing restrictions on speech and access to information.

The article critiques the approach of blanket social media bans for minors, pointing out the challenges of enforcing such bans without infringing on free speech rights and the practical difficulties of distinguishing between adult and minor users. French references Supreme Court decisions that emphasize the importance of First Amendment protections for minors and the government's limited authority to restrict access to ideas and information.

Furthermore, French distinguishes between content that is universally deemed inappropriate for minors, such as pornography, and social media, arguing that the latter contains content minors have the right to see and produce. He suggests alternative measures, such as banning smartphones in schools and relying on parental guidance and community standards to navigate children's use of technology.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the genuine concerns regarding the impact of smartphones on children's mental health, French advocates for a balanced approach that respects constitutional rights and prioritizes parental responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of informed parenting and community awareness to adapt to the challenges posed by digital technologies, rather than relying on broad governmental bans that face significant legal and practical hurdles.