New York has taken a significant step to curb the negative impact of social media on young users by mandating mental health warning labels on platforms that employ potentially addictive features.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the new law on Friday, making it compulsory for social media companies to alert users about the mental health risks linked to their products.
The legislation primarily targets platforms that rely on features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play videos and algorithm-driven content feeds. These design elements are widely criticised for encouraging prolonged screen time, particularly among children and teenagers, raising concerns about anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media,” Governor Hochul said while announcing the measure.
Under the new law, platforms offering what the state defines as “addictive feeds” will be required to display clear warnings about possible mental health consequences. The legislation also empowers the New York attorney general to take legal action against companies that fail to comply, with civil penalties reaching up to $5,000 per violation.
By introducing this requirement, New York joins other US states such as California and Minnesota, which have enacted similar laws aimed at safeguarding children from harmful digital practices, according to Reuters.
Governor Hochul compared the warning labels to those found on tobacco products and certain plastic packaging, arguing that consumers deserve transparency about potential risks. “Just as we warn people about the dangers of smoking, we should be honest about the risks associated with excessive social media use,” she said.
The move comes amid growing national concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health. Several US school districts have already filed lawsuits against major tech companies, including Meta Platforms, accusing them of knowingly designing products that harm young users.
In 2023, the US surgeon general issued a formal advisory calling for stronger safeguards for children online and specifically recommended warning labels on social media platforms — a proposal now reflected in New York’s new law.
