Sacramento – October 19, 2026 -- Large social media platforms operating in California must answer verified child-safety reports within 72 or 24 hours from January 1, 2026, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Youth Social Media Protection Act (AB 2481) into law.
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal authored the bill, which the Organization for Social Media Safety sponsored.
AB 2481 creates a verified reporting channel for school and mental health staff
Platforms must set up a system that lets school principals, most school counselors and licensed mental health professionals report content posing a severe risk to a child. Reporting is voluntary for these professionals. Covered threats include cyberbullying, suicide-related content, drug trafficking, violence and sexual predation.
The response deadline, 72 or 24 hours, depends on the severity of the risk. Every report also requires human review by the platform.
ADL survey shows platform responses to physical threats are weakening
Supporters of the law cite an ADL survey of respondents who experienced a physical threat:
- 41% said the platform took no action on a threatening post, up from 38% the year before.
- 14% said the platform deleted the threatening content, down from 22%.
- 17% said the platform blocked the perpetrator, down from 28%.
The sponsoring organization argues that dangerous content either stays online indefinitely after reports from targeted youth or draws a response only after significant harm has occurred. It says educators and licensed mental health professionals regularly witness such harm but have no means to flag the content.
Schools and professionals have until January 2026 to prepare
The Organization for Social Media Safety is urging schools and mental health professionals to learn the new reporting systems and train staff before the law takes effect. The organization also says it will support implementation and is willing to help advocates outside California bring similar legislation to their own states.