Social media could pose a “profound risk of harm” to children and teenagers, America’s top doctor has said.
US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy urged tech companies, policymakers, and parents to “take immediate action to protect kids now”. The warning came in a new advisory issued yesterday (Tuesday, May 23).
The 25-page advisory is part of the surgeon general’s ongoing investigation into what he perceives as a significant crisis in youth mental health. It highlights the pervasive use of social media by young people, with up to 95% of 13- to 17-year-old Americans utilizing a social media platform, and over a third stating that they are engaged “almost constantly.”
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The report claims current age restrictions on social media access for children are not working. While most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, nearly 40% of eight- to 12-year-olds are regular users.
The advisory highlights the critical nature of adolescence in brain development, making children aged 10 to 19 highly susceptible to peer pressure. During these years, an individual’s sense of self-worth is formed, and mental health challenges such as depression often emerge.
The report indicates that social media use is associated with a decline in life satisfaction. This was particularly seen among girls aged 11 to 13 and boys aged 14 and 15.
Dr Murthy told Associated Press (AP): “The bottom line is we do not have enough evidence to conclude that social media is, in fact, sufficiently safe for our kids. And that’s really important for parents to know.”
Accessing apps can have positive benefits, such as providing community and connection. However, the surgeon general warns that the risk overshadows these positives.
A long-term study of 12- to 15-year-olds revealed that adolescents who spend more than three hours daily on social media have twice the risk of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. In 2021, the average time spent on social media in this age group was 3.5 hours per day.
Dr Murthy’s warning coincided with a separate notice from the White House, which referred to the “unprecedented youth mental health crisis” in the United States. The number of children and adolescents experiencing depression and anxiety has increased by nearly 30% in recent years, with social media accused of being a significant contributing factor.
To address these concerns, the White House is establishing a new task force on kids’ online health and safety. Its objective is to identify potential harms posed by online platforms and develop a toolkit to address these issues for tech companies involved in creating new products.
