Sign in Subscribe
Youth

California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Landmark Bills to Protect Kids and Teens from Addictive Social Media and Age-Inappropriate Online Material

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a significant victory for children and families, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two landmark bills to protect kids and teens from the risks associated with social media and age-inappropriate online material. Assembly Bill 56, which requires warning labels on social media platforms, and Assembly Bill 1043, which implements age assurance to protect kids from inappropriate content, mark a major step towards safeguarding the well-being of young people in the digital age. These bills, sponsored by Common Sense Media and Attorney General Rob Bonta, demonstrate California's commitment to setting a standard for the nation and the world in terms of online safety and responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 56, which requires warning labels on social media platforms to inform users about the potential risks of addictive content.
  • Assembly Bill 56 is a first-of-its-kind legislation in the United States, aimed at reducing the negative impact of social media on youth mental health.
  • The bill was authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and sponsored by Common Sense Media and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
  • Assembly Bill 1043, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, establishes an age signaling system to keep children safe online while protecting their privacy.
  • The age verification law is a significant victory for kids and families, ensuring that online content is appropriate for their age and protecting their online safety.
  • Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer hailed the governor's actions as landmark victories for kids and families, setting a standard for the rest of the nation and the world to follow.
  • The bills were the result of tireless efforts by parents, teens, and advocates who made their voices heard in the legislature and with the governor.

Statistics:

  • 1.4 million educators and over 100,000 schools are reached by Common Sense Media's ratings, research, and resources every year.
  • Over 150 million users worldwide rely on Common Sense Media for trustworthy information, education, and independent voice.

Sources:

  • Common Sense Media Press Release, "In Victory for Kids and Families, Newsom Signs Online Safety Protections into Law" (October 13, 2025)
  • About Common Sense Media, "About Us" (commonsense.org)

Read more