Common Sense Media Champions California Bill Requiring Social Media Warning Labels
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 26, 2025—Common Sense Media today announced it is championing California legislation (AB 56) introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Attorney General Rob Bonta to require social media platforms to display warning labels about the profound risk of harmful effects on youth mental health.
Statement from Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer:
"Common Sense Media believes that social media's 'tobacco moment' is long overdue. Just as we needed warning labels for cigarettes and seat belts in cars, we now need warning labels for social media platforms, platforms that are clearly engineered to maximize engagement, even at the expense of our children's well-being.
"Under our noses, social media companies continue to deploy sophisticated algorithms and addictive features designed to keep developing brains scrolling, clicking, and staying glued to digital devices for as long as possible. That's why, according to recent Common Sense Media research, a large majority of today's teens don't trust tech companies to make decisions that prioritize their safety or well-being.
"Families need help now. We cannot wait for Congress to act while another generation of young people suffers. Common Sense Media has recently helped pass landmark online safety legislation in the states, including Colorado, Maryland, New York, and California, which has consistently led the nation in enacting laws to protect kids online. AB 56 continues that state leadership by ensuring families have clear information about social media's risks, and we are grateful to Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan and Attorney General Bonta for championing this vital legislation. We know there is more to do in addition to a label, and we are working hard again this year to pass other online safety legislation, but, as the nation's most powerful advocate for children's digital well-being, we are fully committed to seeing AB 56 become law."
Statement from Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan: "Our children's mental health is an unacceptable price to pay for the enrichment of social media companies. AB 56 takes a crucial step in ensuring families are warned about these risks so they can make informed choices. I'm proud to partner with Attorney General Bonta and Common Sense Media to hold social media companies accountable and protect the health of our children."
Statement from Attorney General Rob Bonta: "Social media companies know the harm their products can have on our children, and refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer — harms that many parents and families witness daily," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. "By requiring warning labels on social media platforms, AB 56 arms families with accessible information about the risks of social media use. I am proud to stand alongside Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan and Common Sense Media to put knowledge and power back into the hands of consumers and shine a light on the dangerous reality we've been swiping through."
Common Sense's support comes on the heels of a new report, "The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight," which shows that 58% of children have their own tablet by age 4. AB 56 will help ensure that parents are aware of the "profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children," even as toddlers. For more information about AB 56, please view the fact sheet here.
About Common Sense
Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.