— Model legislation to require warning labels on social media platforms that have specific addictive design features is headed to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's desk following passage of the legislation today by the New York Assembly. Common Sense Media sponsored the legislation, which was authored by Senator Gounardes and Assemblywoman Rozic. The development marks the latest milestone in New York's ongoing efforts to make the internet healthier and safer for kids and teens.

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

"Three cheers for the New York legislature for passing this important kids' online safety bill. We applaud Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblywoman Rozic, and Senator Gounardes for their leadership. We strongly encourage Governor Hochul to sign it into law right away.

"This critical social media safety bill, along with landmark kids' online safety laws enacted last year and the upcoming implementation of a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone restriction in schools, further affirms New York's leadership role in promoting effective kids' online safety policy.

"Lawmakers' support for social media warning labels couldn't have come a moment too soon. With teens now spending close to five hours a day on social media, 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. It's time we took the same proven approach to social media — the latest addictive product that has kids hooked."

More information on the bill can be found here.

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.