A bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general has urged Congress to introduce mandatory Surgeon General warning labels on social media apps, highlighting the role platforms like TikTok and Instagram play in fueling addiction and mental health crises among young adults.
- Bipartisan push: Attorneys general across the U.S. are united in their call for action, citing algorithm-driven platforms as a serious threat to youth safety.
- Warning labels: The proposed labels would alert users to the mental health risks associated with prolonged social media use, similar to cigarette warnings.
- Studies cited: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy referenced studies showing that teens who spend three hours a day on social media are at double the risk for depression.
- Ongoing legal battles: States have already sued Meta and TikTok, but argue that federal action is needed to fully address the issue.
- Legislative inaction: While the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, Congress has yet to address the Surgeon General’s warnings on social media apps.
The call for action signals growing pressure on Washington to address the escalating mental health crisis linked to social media use among young people.
Implications: The proposed Surgeon General’s warnings could be a turning point in how social media companies are held accountable for the impact their platforms have on youth mental health.
