Social media warning labels gain momentum, may disrupt advertising strategies

The news: A coalition of 42 state and territory attorneys general are backing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s call to Congress to introduce tobacco-like warning labels on social media’s inherent risks to children’s mental health. 

If the proposal is approved, the warnings could help inform parents and teens about the potential mental health risks of social media use, but they would also compel digital advertisers to adjust their social media strategies.

A movement gains momentum: The Surgeon General’s proposal letter, with support from the attorneys general, will now go to Congress for further action.