Attorneys General Urge Social Media Warning Labels

A bipartisan coalition of 42 state attorneys general, led by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, is urging Congress to require health warning labels on algorithm-driven social media platforms to protect youth mental health. This initiative follows a study by the Surgeon General highlighting the adverse effects of excessive social media use on adolescents, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The attorneys general emphasize that while warning labels are a critical step, they are not a complete solution to the mental health crisis exacerbated by social media. States like Arkansas have already taken legal actions against platforms like TikTok and Meta for their harmful algorithms. The push for legislation has gained momentum following the Senate's passage of the Kids Online Safety Act, though it faces hurdles in the House. Experts and parents underscore the importance of both federal action and parental oversight in mitigating social media's negative impact on children.