Kids’ Online Safety Bill Backed by Common Sense Media Clears Major Hurdle in California Legislature
AB 56 would require warning labels on social media platforms
SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2025 — Legislation to protect kids online backed by Common Sense Media, California's Attorney General, and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan cleared a significant hurdle today in the California state legislature, winning support from the powerful Assembly Privacy Committee. The bill would require for the first time warning labels on social media platforms.
In response, James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, issued the following statement:
"We applaud the Privacy Committee and its members for approving this landmark bill to protect kids online. We deeply appreciate Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, the chair of the committee, for her leadership on AB 56, as well as Attorney General Bonta for his sponsorship, and the broad coalition of advocates who joined us to champion safeguards on social media.
"By requiring warning labels on social media platforms — the same way we do for products like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs — AB 56 will help to keep families informed about the mental health risks associated with social media use, particularly for young users.
"Passage in the Privacy Committee is a key step, and we look forward to continued advancement of this bill and others that make children a top priority in our social media-dominated landscape."
A fact sheet on AB56 can be found here. Common Sense Media sponsored the bill. The bill is expected to be considered next by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 29th.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and impactful voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.