California is considering groundbreaking legislation to require social media platforms to display mental health warning labels highlighting their impact on young people’s well-being. The bill, introduced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, aims to address concerns about the negative effects of social media on children’s mental health.
If passed, California would become the first U.S. state to mandate such warnings, which supporters argue are essential to protect children. The proposal has gained bipartisan support, particularly after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the role of social media in contributing to the mental health crisis among youth.
“These companies are aware of the harm their platforms can cause to children but have not taken adequate measures to ensure safety,” Bonta said during a press briefing. “It’s time to demand change.”
The legislation follows alarming statistics showing that up to 95% of youth aged 13 to 17 use social media, with over a third reporting near-constant use, according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center.
Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the bill, criticized the “attention economy” for exploiting children’s focus for profit. "Our children’s well-being is being commodified, and this must stop," she said.
Tech industry representatives oppose the measure, citing First Amendment concerns. Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the Chamber of Progress, argued that such regulations could be deemed unconstitutional, stating, “Courts are likely to overturn these measures as compelled speech.”
The proposed legislation also received personal backing from parents like Victoria Hinks, whose 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, tragically died by suicide after exposure to harmful content on social media. Hinks believes the labels could help other families avoid similar tragedies, saying, “There’s no doubt social media played a role in my daughter’s decision. This story could easily be anyone else’s.”
California has been a leader in regulating the tech industry to prioritize child safety. In 2022, the state restricted the use of children's personal information by online platforms and was among the first to sue major social media companies for creating addictive features targeting minors.
Governor Gavin Newsom has also signed multiple bills aimed at reducing the harmful effects of social media on children, including measures requiring parental consent for addictive feeds and limiting smartphone use in schools.
The legislation has sparked a broader conversation about child online safety, with advocates like Common Sense Media pushing for similar measures in other states. While federal lawmakers are working on legislation to address the issue, no major federal action has been taken since 1998, leaving states like California to lead the charge.
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