California May Lead the Way in Requiring Mental Health Warning Labels on Social Media Platforms

California lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking bill that could change the way social media platforms operate. Assembly Bill 56 (AB 56), introduced by Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, proposes requiring social networks to display warning labels about potential risks to mental health, particularly for kids and teens.

The Warning Label Proposal

If passed, the bill would mandate platforms to show a “black box warning” to all users the first time they log in. This warning must appear for at least 90 seconds and then resurface weekly. The aim is to educate users, especially young ones, about the potential impact of social media on mental well-being.

The idea stems from a broader movement to address the youth mental health crisis. Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy suggested social networks should adopt tobacco-like warnings, following studies linking social media use to mental health challenges among young people. In September, nearly 40 U.S. states backed this proposal, signaling widespread concern.

Why Is This Happening?

Attorney General Rob Bonta didn’t mince words when introducing the bill, accusing social media companies of prioritizing profits over users’ well-being. Platforms, he argued, have leaned into addictive features and harmful content instead of addressing their role in the mental health crisis.

“Warning labels alone won’t solve everything,” Bonta said in a press release, “but they’re an important step to protect future generations.”

Social Media Giants Under Fire

This bill isn’t the only legal challenge facing tech companies:

• In October, Bonta and several other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of harming kids with addictive features and promoting harmful trends, such as beauty filters.
• Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also being sued by dozens of states for allegedly misleading users about the safety of its platforms.

A Push for Nationwide Change

While California takes the lead with AB 56, other states are urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The act aims to create federal regulations that ensure social media platforms take stronger action to protect children online.

What This Means for You

If AB 56 becomes law, it could set a precedent for how social media platforms operate across the country. Warning labels may become a standard feature, sparking conversations about how we consume digital content and its long-term impact.

The big question remains: Will these warnings truly make a difference, or is this just the first step in a larger battle to make the online world safer for everyone?