Surgeon General Issues Advisory Over Harmful Effects of Social Media on Kids – By Jessica Rendall (CNET) / May 23, 2023
The advisory follows a “loneliness epidemic” declaration and comes amid a youth mental health crisis. It also outlines some benefits teens find from online communities.
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Tuesday issued an advisory about the harmful effects social media has on children and young people, especially when it comes to their mental health.
Teenagers spent an average of 3.5 hours per day on social media in 2021, according to a news release that accompanied the report.
Young people find many benefits of using social media, including finding connections with others going through similar experiences or having a place to display their creativity, but there are “ample indicators” social media can harm children and adolescents, according to the surgeon general.
For example, social media may expose young people to content that encourages disordered eating habits or social comparisons, or even content that’s violent or shows others being bullied. What’s more, social media may also be influencing the health of young people by interfering with their sleep, physical activity and real-world interactions with people, according to the surgeon general.
