ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – New York is attempting to limit the damaging effects of social media on young people.

On Dec. 23, 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring social media companies to display warning labels to children.

The amendment targets platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto-play, or infinite scrolling. It builds on the 2024 SAFE for Kids Act, which introduced multiple parental controls and bolstered age-verification requirements.

“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. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”

Recent studies from the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General show adolescents who spend over 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression.