Social Media Warning Labels

Social media warning labels are a critical step toward protecting the health and safety of young people online. Just as warning labels on tobacco and alcohol help consumers understand the risks, similar labels on social media platforms can raise awareness about the documented harms associated with excessive use—especially among teens. 

In his 2023 advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that social media presents a “profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.” He later went on to call on Congress to pass legislation requiring warning labels on social media platforms due to their harms to young people’s mental health and well-being. Social media warning label bills have been introduced from coast to coast in states across the country including California, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.