New York to Require Mental Health Warning Labels on Social Media Platforms Used by Young People

Social media platforms that rely on infinite scrolling, auto-play videos and algorithm driven content feeds will be required to display warning labels about potential mental health harms to young users under new legislation announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday.

The move forms part of a growing international push to regulate the impact of social media on children and teenagers, amid mounting evidence linking certain platform design features to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and addictive behaviour among young users.

Under the new law, platforms operating in New York that employ engagement-driven features such as endless content feeds, algorithmic recommendations and auto-play functionality must clearly inform users of the potential risks to mental well-being, particularly for minors.

Governor Hochul said the legislation is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the tech industry, while giving parents and young people clearer information about how social media platforms are designed to capture attention.

“These features are not accidental,” Hochul said in a statement. “They are deliberately engineered to keep users engaged for as long as possible, and young people are especially vulnerable to the mental health consequences.”

The law does not ban social media platforms outright, but instead seeks to educate users and families by making the risks more visible at the point of use. Companies that fail to comply could face regulatory action under New York state law.

Tech companies have previously pushed back against similar measures, arguing that warning labels oversimplify complex mental health issues and place undue responsibility on platforms. However, child advocacy groups and mental health professionals have broadly welcomed the announcement, describing it as a necessary step toward protecting young people online.

New York joins a growing list of jurisdictions worldwide examining stricter rules for social media companies, as governments respond to concerns about the long-term psychological effects of digital platforms on younger generations.

Further guidance on implementation and enforcement of the warning label requirements is expected in the coming months.

Aaron Joyce

Newswire, L.T.T Media

Newsdesk

26 December 2025