New York State Senate Passes Common Sense Media-Backed Social Media Warning Label Bill

SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2025 — The New York State Senate passed legislation to require warning labels on social media platforms with addictive design features. The bill is backed by Common Sense Media and sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes.

In response to the bill's passage by the Senate, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:

"The New York Senate's support for social media warning labels is a critical step toward much-needed additional protections for kids online. Common Sense Media thanks Senator Gounardes and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for championing this legislation, as well as the coalition of advocates who work day in and day out to build the digital future our kids deserve.

"Lawmakers' support for this bill comes at a pivotal moment for kids' well-being. Teens now spend close to five hours a day on social media, and we owe it to families to provide clear, evidence-based information about the consequences of excessive use. When we learned alcohol could cause birth defects, we added warning labels for pregnant women. When nicotine was linked to cancer, we labeled every cigarette pack. Social media is addictive, too, and it's time we took the same proven approach.

"This legislation sets a strong precedent — New York is showing the rest of the country what effective kids' online safety policy can look like. We look forward to the bill's passage in the Assembly and to Governor Hochul signing it into law."

More information on the bill can be found here.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media 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.