Murthy’s call for action aligns with longstanding concerns from youth advocates and lawmakers, who have criticized social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for their detrimental effects on children.
These concerns include shortened attention spans, negative body image issues, and increased vulnerability to online bullying and predators.
It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, June 2024
In January, the CEOs of TikTok, Snap, Meta Platforms (which owns Facebook and Instagram), along with representatives from social media platform X and messaging app Discord, faced intense questioning from US senators during a hearing on online child safety.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham accused them of having “blood on your hands” for failing to protect young users from sexual predators. Senator Graham’s accusations of “blood on your hands” are hilarious in the context of his other stances, but that’s off-topic.
So, what now? Personally, I think things will go on without change, even if there’s a label on the Facebook app.
First, I’ve never ever seen a smoker that goes “Wow, these graphic pictures of smoking-related problems on the pack of my cigarettes really changed my mind, I’m done with smoking!”
Second, sorry to burst your bubble, but the damage has already been done. Instead of putting a red dot (or whatever) on (in) a social media app, the government could seek ways to punish parents who give two-year olds smartphones and tablets to play with all day, every day.
Right now, some US states are taking steps to protect children from the adverse effects of social media. For instance, New York state lawmakers recently passed legislation prohibiting social media platforms from exposing users under 18 to “addictive” algorithmic content without parental consent. Additionally, in March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning children under 14 from using social media platforms and requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.
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