The US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, is sounding the alarm on the safety of social media for children and teenagers.
Citing insufficient evidence on its impact on mental health, he is calling for immediate action from tech companies, parents, and caregivers to protect young people, according to a report by AP.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - APRIL 26: In this photo illustration, the logos of social media applications Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Messenger, Hyperlapse, and Telegram are displayed on a cellphone screen on April 26, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian justice has temporarily suspended the messaging app Telegram in the middle of an investigation related to neonazi activities on the network.
Dr. Murthy emphasizes the need for tech companies to share data and increase transparency with researchers and the public. He urges them to prioritize the health and safety of users when creating their products.
Despite some efforts made by technology companies to create healthier platforms, Dr. Murthy states that it is not enough.
One of the concerns raised by Dr. Murthy is the discrepancy between age requirements set by social media platforms and the actual usage by young children.
Although platforms typically enforce a minimum age of 13, he said statistics show that 40% of children aged eight to 12 are already active on social media. This raises questions about the effectiveness of age restrictions and policy enforcement.
Read Also: Parents Blame Social Media for Children's Mental Health Problems, According to Survey
Tips for Young Social Media Users
To address this urgent issue, the surgeon general provides tips for young people:
1. Seek support: If social media negatively affects you or someone you know, seek out a trusted adult or friend for help. The doctor also suggests referring to the American Academy of Pediatrics' social media guidance.
2. Set boundaries: Limit device use before bedtime and during the night to ensure sufficient sleep. Make mealtimes and face-to-face interactions device-free to foster social connections. Prioritize in-person interactions and make offline interactions a daily priority.
3. Exercise caution when sharing: Recognize the value of personal information and choose carefully what you post and share online. Keep in mind that content can become public and remain stored indefinitely. If uncertain, it's advisable to refrain from posting.
4. Speak out against harassment and abuse: Share your concerns with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, counselor, or teacher. Report cyberbullying using tips from stopbullying.gov. Seek support from Love is Respect if you experience online harassment or abuse from a dating partner. For unauthorized sharing of private images, use Take It Down to seek removal assistance.
Dr. Murthy emphasizes that the development of children is happening now and cannot be put on hold while waiting for a complete understanding of social media's impact. Immediate action is necessary to protect their well-being.
The US Surgeon General's call to action aims to raise awareness and address the risks associated with social media use among young people. By advocating for change, he hopes to protect their mental health and ensure their safety in the digital age.
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