California Pushes Social Media Warning Labels to Address Teen Mental Health Crisis

California is set to become a pioneer in regulating the intersection of social media and mental health with a bold new legislative proposal.

Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan yesterday introduced a bill that would mandate weekly mental health warning labels on social media platforms, a measure aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis among adolescents.

Warning Labels for Social Media

The proposed law would require platforms to display explicit notices highlighting risks such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption linked to extensive use. These warnings must appear for 90 seconds during a user’s first session and recur weekly, ensuring consistent reminders for all users.

Rob Bonta emphasized that social media companies are aware of the harmful effects their platforms can have on children and have not taken meaningful steps to address these issues.

The legislation has garnered support from advocacy groups, parents, and mental health professionals, but it faces significant pushback from the tech industry, which argues that such measures could infringe on free speech and impose undue burdens on platforms.

California’s Expanding Regulatory Framework for Social Media

The proposed legislation is the latest in a series of measures aimed at regulating the impact of social media on young users in California. In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.

The law, set to take effect in January 2027, prohibits platforms from using algorithmic feeds for minors without explicit parental consent and mandates the use of reverse-chronological feeds for teenage users. Notifications for minors will also be restricted to certain hours unless authorized by parents.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated that social media has been a contributing factor to the mental health crisis among young people and stressed the importance of holding platforms accountable for their design practices.

Advocacy organizations such as Common Sense Media, the Association of California School Administrators, and the state’s division of the American Academy of Pediatrics supported the legislation, citing its potential to protect young users.

However, opponents, including the ACLU of California, raised concerns about privacy and the possibility of limiting access to online communities that are vital for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.

Federal and International Movements Align with California

California’s efforts are part of a broader national and international push to regulate social media platforms.

In June 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a public call for federal action, writing in The New York Times, “Why is it that we have failed to respond to the harms of social media when they are no less urgent or widespread than those posed by unsafe cars, planes or food? These harms are not a failure of willpower and parenting; they are the consequence of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures, transparency or accountability.”

Dr. Murthy recommended several measures, including restricting autoplay features, reducing data collection from minors, and mandating public disclosure of internal research regarding the psychological impacts of platform usage.

His recommendations align closely with California’s proposals and have spurred discussions about federal legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would impose nationwide safeguards for minors.

Internationally, Australia took a similar stance in 2023 by enacting a law that prohibits social media use for children under 16 without explicit parental consent.

In New York, the SAFE for Kids Act, passed earlier this year, mandates that platforms provide reverse-chronological feeds for minors, aiming to eliminate the addictive algorithms often associated with mental health risks.

Research Highlights the Extent of the Crisis

A growing body of evidence underscores the urgency of addressing the mental health effects of social media. According to Pew Research Center data, 95% of teenagers aged 13–17 use social media, and more than a third report being online almost constantly. Experts warn that such habits can displace healthy activities like sleep, exercise, and in-person social interactions.

Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatric mental health specialist, emphasized the dangers posed by unregulated social media use. “While social media offers opportunities for education and connection, it also exposes adolescents to harmful misinformation and idealized imagery that can damage self-esteem and mental health,” he explained.

The impact is not just theoretical. Stories from families affected by these harms have brought the issue into sharp focus. Victoria Hinks, whose 16-year-old daughter Alexandra died by suicide earlier this year, spoke at a press conference alongside Bonta.

According to Hinks, Alexandra, nicknamed “Owl,” grew addicted to her social media feeds. The girl with a love for animals and cross-country fell down “dark rabbit holes” as she began to compare herself to others online. She shared how her daughter encountered harmful content online, including posts promoting self-harm and eating disorders.

Industry Resistance and the Role of Limited Reforms

While some social media platforms have introduced measures to address growing criticism, many argue these efforts fall short of addressing the root causes. Instagram, for example, launched “Teen Accounts” in 2024, which default to private for users under 18 and include a “Sleep Mode” feature that silences notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

While these changes aim to foster safer environments for young users, critics argue they fail to tackle the underlying issue of algorithmic design that prioritizes engagement at any cost.

Tech industry representatives have expressed strong opposition to California’s proposed legislation. Todd O’Boyle, vice president of the tech policy group Chamber of Progress, warned that such measures could have unintended legal consequences.

“Slapping a warning label on social media is like a broken fire alarm going off with no evidence of smoke. It ignores the reality that most teens view social media as an important outlet for social connection,” O’Boyle said. “Forcing this kind of label despite a lack of scientific proof will run into the same First Amendment buzzsaw that has doomed previous California kids’ bills. If lawmakers are really serious about protecting young people online, they would increase law enforcement funding to crack down on child predators.”

Despite this resistance, California’s proposals have gained momentum among advocates who argue that the potential benefits outweigh the challenges. James P. Steyer, founder of Common Sense Media, expressed support for California’s efforts, calling them an important step in protecting children from the risks of social media.

“When it comes to protecting kids from the risks of social media, California has always been a leader, and that continues today with this legislative proposal to make sure that people who use social media will be warned about its negative effects.”

California’s latest legislative efforts highlight a growing movement to hold social media companies accountable for their impact on young users. By addressing the psychological risks of prolonged platform engagement and implementing measures to protect teens, the state is setting a precedent for how governments struggle respond to the challenges posed by the digital age.