Attorney General John M. Formella recently announced in a letter to Congress that he, along with a bipartisan coalition of 41 other attorneys general, is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General’s warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The letter comes amidst growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in harming young people’s mental health.

The attorneys general cited a growing body of research linking young people’s use of these platforms to psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in children and teens. They also highlighted how features like algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and constant notifications are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged, often at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping.

“New Hampshire children and their families deserve to know about the harms that social media platforms can cause. Congress should require these platforms to clearly inform users about these dangers, as one step toward protecting kids from the predatory practices of social media,” said Attorney General Formella.

In June 2023, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office solicited stories from parents, teachers, and coaches about the negative impacts of social media. Concurrently, the governor issued an executive order for state agencies to develop curricula addressing these harms, which was highlighted by the GoPlayNH initiative.

In October 2023, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Meta, along with 44 other states nationwide. Earlier in June, New Hampshire became one of the first states in the country to file a lawsuit against TikTok to address the harmful effects the platform has on children.

“While our investigation into social media companies is ongoing, our findings confirm that these companies have exploited children’s vulnerabilities and misled those responsible for their safety,” said Attorney General Formella. “We remain committed to holding these companies accountable and ensuring a safer online environment for our children.”

The attorneys general argue that more action is necessary, as “social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own.”