California Takes Aim at Social Media's Impact on Youth Mental Health

California Takes Aim at Social Media's Impact on Youth Mental Health

California is poised to become a trailblazer in digital regulation, with a new bill aiming to protect the mental health of young people. AB 56, introduced by Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, could mandate social media platforms to display explicit warning labels about potential mental health risks. The Growing Concern The bill is a direct response to the increasing concerns over the negative impact of social media on youth mental health. Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use to issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Key Provisions of AB 56: Mandatory Warning Labels: Social media platforms would be required to display a prominent "black box warning" to all users, regardless of age. Frequency of Warnings: The warning label would be shown during initial platform use and at least once a week thereafter. Warning Label Content: The warning would highlight potential mental health risks associated with exces…