California lawmakers are taking action to address the rise in mental health issues linked to social media use.
A new bill introduced by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan would require social media platforms to display warning labels about the risks of excessive use, particularly for children and teens.
This proposal comes as mounting evidence reveals the negative impact social media may have on young people, contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more.
Many apps may be designed to encourage social media addiction, with features like endless scrolling and constant notifications. Teens in the U.S. spend an average of 4.6 hours a day on social media, according to a 2023 Gallup survey.
By adding social media warning labels, lawmakers hope to raise awareness about the potential for addiction — and encourage parents to make informed decisions about their children’s screen time.
If you or your child have suffered from mental health issues due to social media addiction, Sokolove Law is here for you. We can help families hold social media companies accountable for the harm their platforms may cause.
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Why Put Warning Labels on Social Media?
The social media warning label bill, titled AB 56, was first introduced in December 2024. The bill would require platforms to display a warning that adolescents who spend over 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of poor mental health outcomes.
The goal is for the warning labels to be a persistent message, not something social media users can simply click away from and not have to see again.
Under the proposed bill, a black box warning would appear to all users when they first log in to a social media platform. After the initial display, the warning would show up again once a week for 90 seconds.
“Social media platforms have built systems designed to keep our children endlessly engaged, often at the expense of their mental health.”
– Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Similar to the warning labels on tobacco and alcohol products, the labels aim to inform users of the potential harm caused by excessive use of social media. It may also be an eye-opener for parents who weren’t aware of the damage being done to their children’s mental health.
By making this information more visible, the bill seeks to promote a healthier balance between screen time and essential activities that may be disrupted by excessive social media use.
“Time spent on social media can displace time for other healthful activities, including sleep, exercise, and in-person socialization,” explained adolescent mental health specialist Dr. Jason Nagata.
What Are the Dangers of Social Media for Young People?
Growing evidence shows that social media may be harming the mental health of teens who use it for prolonged periods of time. Worse, lawsuits claim companies intentionally designed their apps with algorithms aimed at fostering overuse.
Some of the issues caused by social media use may include:
- Addiction, which may prevent focus on constructive activities
- Anxiety, which can affect school performance and quality of life
- Cyberbullying impacting self-esteem and relationships
- Depression, which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness or withdrawal
- Suicidal ideation, which may lead to self-harm or other dangerous behaviors
“Social media can provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health.”
– Claude Mellins, Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia
Since social media isn’t something that you ingest, like alcohol or other drugs, it’s easy for users to assume it’s safe. Social media warning labels are intended to inform teens and their parents that the product they’re using daily may be taking a serious toll on their health.
Ultimately, this may prompt some families to monitor their child’s use of social media more closely, limit screen time, or perhaps ban it within their household altogether.
Get Help with a Social Media Addiction Claim
If social media companies intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive to adolescents, they should be held accountable for the harm their apps cause.
The mental health and well-being of young people should always be prioritized over corporate profits. If your family is dealing with the effects of social media addiction, taking legal action may help you seek justice.
With over 45 years of experience holding major companies accountable, Sokolove Law has the resources and skills to help families across the country file social media addiction claims.
If your child or teenager has suffered mental health problems due to social media addiction, we’re here to fight for you.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review.
