US Surgeon General warns over ‘profound risk’ of social media to teenagers’ mental health; Here’s what he said

US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy issued a warning over “profound risk of harm” to the mental health of children and teenagers. While the latest public advisory issued by Murthy notes the benefits of social media, it also called for ‘urgent action’ to create a safe and healthy environment digitally that can contribute in minimizing harm and safeguard children’s and adolescents’ mental health as well as their well-being during crucial development stages.

The report further emphasizes that the advisories such as the one issued by US Surgeon General indicate an attempt to call attention to “an urgent public health issue”. Murthy said, “Much of the evidence we do have indicates that there is enough reason to be deeply concerned about the risk of harm social media poses. For example, adolescents who spend >3 hours per day on social media face double the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety”.




The US Surgeon General’s advisory follows an increased attention of governments across the globe to make social media a safe place for young adults. In the UK, the government may introduce an ‘Online Safety Bill’ which would make the nation the “safest place in the world to be online” with several obligations for how large tech firms should operate.

Now, the latest report by the US Surgeon General says a “highly sensitive period of brain development” takes place between the ages of 10 and 19. However, it further adds that the same age coincides with 95% of 13 to 17 year olds and 40% of 8 to 12 year olds using social media. The report also noted the benefits of social media communities especially for the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other youths.

FAQs

1. Who is Dr. Vivek Murthy?
   US Surgeon General
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   Mark Zuckerberg