A coalition of 42 state attorneys general, including Florida’s Ashley Moody, has called on Congress to mandate a U.S. Surgeon General warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, citing concerns over their impact on the mental health of young people.

A coalition of 42 state attorneys general, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, called on Congress Monday to require a U.S. Surgeon General warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms.

The request, outlined in a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, seeks to address a growing mental health crisis among young people, which the attorneys general argue is exacerbated by social media use. The proposed Surgeon General warning would inform users of the potential psychological risks associated with excessive social media use, particularly for minors. The attorneys general believe such a warning would complement existing efforts to regulate the platforms and spur further research into protecting youth online.

In addition to calling for a warning label, the letter encourages Congress to explore broader legislative solutions to protect children and teens from online harms. The attorneys general expressed support for recent efforts in Congress, including the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, as nascent steps toward tackling the issue.

The letter also outlines a body of research linking social media platforms to psychological harm in minors, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. According to the attorneys general, algorithm-driven platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, feature infinite scrolling and notifications designed to keep young users engaged, disrupting sleep and daily activities.

“Research links young people’s use of those social media platforms to a variety of serious psychological harms, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation,” the letter reads. “Algorithm-driven social media use also interferes with adolescents’ daily life by chronically disrupting their sleep with irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platform.”

Moody, who has previously taken legal action against Meta and is currently investigating TikTok, supported the call for federal intervention.

“We are fighting to protect our youth online by calling on Congress to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on these platforms,” Moody said in a statement. “This warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms.”

The letter points to lawsuits filed by several states, including Florida, against Meta and TikTok for allegedly promoting harmful content and addictive features aimed at young users, with the consortium of attorneys general arguing that social media companies have not taken sufficient action to mitigate these risks, necessitating congressional involvement.