New York mandates mental health warnings on addictive social media

New York – To reduce the harmful impact of social media on children and teens, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered platforms to display warning labels highlighting possible mental health risks. The new rule focuses on features such as infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, and algorithm-driven feeds, which are known to promote prolonged and addictive use among younger audiences.

• New York orders warning labels on social media to protect children and teens

• Law targets addictive features like infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithm feeds

• Attorney general can fine platforms up to $5,000 per violation

• Hochul compares warnings to tobacco and plastic safety labels

• California and Minnesota already have similar child protection laws

• Rising concern links social media use to youth mental health issues

• U.S. school districts have sued major platforms like Meta

• Surgeon General earlier called for child safety warnings on social media

“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,” Hochul stated.

By implementing such regulations, New York has joined states like California and Minnesota, which have enacted similar laws aimed at protecting children against harmful social media practices, Reuters reported.

The legislation is designed for platforms that offer “addictive feeds” and allows the state’s attorney general to pursue legal action with civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

NY, WE DID IT! @govkathyhochul signed our bill to require a warning label on addictive social media. This happened because parents, young people & advocates spoke up & kept the pressure on. Thank you Gov. Hochul, @Sen_Gounardes & @nily for your leadership in this huge win. pic.twitter.com/wJ2b3fZfcm

— Common Sense Media (@CommonSense) December 20, 2025

Hochul drew a comparison between the social media warnings and those found on tobacco products and plastic packaging, which inform consumers of associated risks.

The growing concern over social media’s impact on children’s mental health has led to various legal actions, including lawsuits lodged by U.S. school districts against major companies like Meta Platforms.

In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory highlighting the need for safeguards for children, and called for warning labels similar to those now mandated in New York.