(MyKeeneNow) – A bipartisan group of 42 state attorneys general, led by New Hampshire’s Attorney General John M. Formella, has called on Congress to take action against social media platforms, urging lawmakers to require a U.S. Surgeon General’s warning on all algorithm-driven sites.

The demand stems from increasing concerns over the negative mental health impact these platforms have on children and teenagers, according to a news release.

In a letter sent to Congress, the attorneys general referenced growing research that links prolonged use of social media to mental health challenges among young people, including rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They argue that platforms, through tactics like infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven content, are designed to keep users, particularly minors, hooked at the cost of their well-being.

The call for action coincides with New Hampshire’s ongoing initiatives to combat the negative effects of social media, the release said. In June 2023, the state solicited personal stories from parents, educators, and youth coaches about the platform’s impact. That same month, Governor Chris Sununu issued an executive order requiring state agencies to create educational programs addressing social media dangers, including the launch of the GoPlayNH initiative.

Their concerns come after several lawsuits have been filed against major social media companies. In October 2023, New Hampshire joined 44 other states in suing Meta, accusing the company of deliberately designing Instagram to maximize youth engagement at the expense of mental health. Earlier, New Hampshire became one of the first states to file a lawsuit against TikTok for allegedly causing harm to minors.

Despite ongoing litigation, Formella says that more must be done. “Our investigation confirms that these platforms are exploiting children’s vulnerabilities. We remain committed to holding these companies accountable and creating a safer online space.”

The coalition argues that, while state-level action has been critical, the scale of the problem demands federal intervention. They believe that requiring a surgeon general’s warning on social media would be a key first step in tackling this growing crisis. According to the letter, the attorneys general see this measure as essential to raising awareness and encouraging further research into the effects of algorithm-driven content on youth.

Congress recently passed the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, signaling a growing bipartisan interest in addressing online safety concerns. However, the attorneys general stress that much more remains to be done, calling on lawmakers to follow through with additional protective measures.

The letter, addressed to key congressional leaders, emphasized the need for collaboration between state and federal officials to safeguard future generations from the mental health risks posed by social media platforms.