Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced a new bill, Assembly Bill 56 (AB 56), aimed at informing users about the potential mental health risks of social media for adolescents. The legislation mandates that social media companies include warning labels to alert users to these risks.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "Social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the mental health crisis, instead digging in deeper into harnessing addictive features and harmful content for the sake of profits." He emphasized the importance of providing consumers with information that may affect their health, noting that warning labels could be a tool to address the growing mental health crisis among youth.

Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan highlighted concerns about how social media platforms engage children at the cost of their mental well-being. She said, "This bill shines a light on those harms and ensures that families are equipped with critical information to make informed choices."

Dr. Jason Nagata, an adolescent mental health specialist, pointed out that time spent on social media could displace other healthy activities. He remarked on the potential misinformation about health and harmful content children might encounter online.

James P. Steyer from Common Sense Media supported the legislative effort by comparing it to past public safety measures such as seat belts and alcohol warnings. He commended Attorney General Bonta and Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for their leadership in prioritizing digital safety standards.

Research continues to link social media use among young people with various serious harms, including depression and anxiety. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for similar warning requirements at a federal level. Attorney General Bonta supported this initiative alongside 42 other attorneys general.

In addition to AB 56, Attorney General Bonta has been active in efforts against social media platforms accused of harming young users through addictive features. His actions include lawsuits against TikTok and Meta over allegations related to user exploitation and misleading public perceptions of platform dangers.

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