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HB 499

Relating to a warning label on certain social media platforms concerning the association between a minor's social media usage and significant mental health issues.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mary González and 3 co-sponsors

Texas requires warning labels on social media platforms alerting minors and parents to potential mental health risks from usage.

Received from the House
#email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #internet(s0130) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #minors--health&safety(i0533)
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Bill Summary · HB 499

Legislative bill overview

HB 499 requires social media platforms to display warning labels informing minors and parents about potential links between social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. The bill passed the Texas legislature on April 29, 2025, and appears designed to increase awareness of documented correlations between youth social media engagement and psychological harms.

Why is this important

Mental health concerns among minors have risen alongside increased social media adoption, with research showing associations between heavy usage and depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Warning labels—similar to tobacco or alcohol notices—represent a policy approach to informed decision-making without outright bans, giving parents and teens explicit information about documented risks when accessing these platforms.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Social media companies may challenge mandatory speech requirements as compelled expression that conflicts with constitutional protections, particularly if labels are deemed political or editorial in nature
  • Effectiveness debate: Critics question whether warning labels meaningfully change behavior, citing evidence that tobacco warnings have limited impact, while supporters argue the labels at least inform users and parents
  • Implementation complexity: Defining "certain social media platforms," determining appropriate label prominence/placement, and enforcing compliance across platforms operating nationally raises jurisdictional and practical questions
  • Causation vs. correlation: The bill assumes established causal links between social media use and mental health issues, though scientific evidence primarily shows correlation; critics may argue this overstates certainty

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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