Governor Hochul Signs Law Requiring Warning Labels to Protect Teens Online: Governor Kathy Hochul has signed sweeping new legislation requiring social media platforms to display warning labels on features shown to negatively impact young users’ mental health. As a result, New York has become one of the first states in the nation to treat certain digital platform features as a public health concern.
The new law, S4505/A5346, mandates warning labels on social media platforms that use so-called “addictive” features, including infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithm-driven feeds. These warnings must appear when a young user first encounters the feature and periodically thereafter. Importantly, users will not be able to bypass or click through the alerts.
Governor Hochul said the legislation reflects her administration’s continued focus on protecting children and teens. “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 features that encourage excessive use,” Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. We must prioritize mental health and ensure people understand the risks associated with excessive screen time.”
Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
The legislation directly responds to mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to declining mental health among adolescents. Recent studies show that teenagers who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. Additionally, nearly half of adolescents say social media makes them feel worse about their body image. Teens with the highest usage levels are also almost twice as likely to rate their mental health as poor or very poor.
Earlier this year, a Pew Research Center survey reinforced these concerns, finding that one in five teens believes social media has a negative effect on their mental health. Consequently, state lawmakers argue that warning labels are necessary to help families make informed decisions.
Consumer-Style Warnings for Digital Platforms
Traditionally, consumer warning labels have been used to communicate health risks associated with physical products. For example, tobacco labels warn of cancer risks, alcohol labels caution against drinking during pregnancy and driving while impaired, and certain food labels highlight dangers related to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Similarly, video games and digital media include warnings for flashing lights that may trigger photosensitive epilepsy.
By comparison, this new law applies the same public health logic to digital environments. Specifically, it targets platform features designed to prolong use and maximize engagement, which critics describe as predatory by design.
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the law grants enforcement authority to the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Under the statute, the attorney general may sue social media companies for up to $5,000 per alleged violation if platforms fail to display the required warning labels. Therefore, lawmakers believe the financial penalties will encourage accountability and responsible design.
Assemblymember Nily Rozic, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of transparency and evidence-based policymaking. “New York families deserve honesty about how social media platforms impact mental health,” Rozic said. “By requiring warning labels grounded in the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and helps create a safer digital environment for kids.”
A National Model for Digital Safety
Ultimately, the legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to address the youth mental health crisis statewide. As social media continues to play a dominant role in adolescents’ lives, New York’s new warning label requirement may serve as a model for other states seeking to balance innovation with public health protections.
