• Healthcare

Surgeon General Takes Stand Against Social Media’s Effects on Youth Mental Health

May 29, 2023

The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a new advisory highlighting the potential negative effects of social media use on the mental health of children and adolescents. While acknowledging that social media platforms can offer certain benefits, such as enhanced connectivity and support, there is growing evidence that they can also pose risks to young people’s well-being.

The advisory emphasizes the widespread use of social media among young individuals, with up to 95% of teenagers aged 13-17 reporting their usage of these platforms, and more than a third stating that they use social media “almost constantly.”

Given that adolescence and childhood are crucial periods of brain development, during which individuals may be more susceptible to the harms associated with social media, urgent action is needed by various stakeholders.

Dr. Murthy calls on policymakers, technology companies, researchers, families, and young people to collaborate and gain a deeper understanding of the complete impact of social media use.

The goal is to maximize the benefits while minimizing the potential harms, ultimately creating safer and healthier online environments to safeguard children.

Concerns surrounding social media usage include exposure to harmful content, such as violence, sexual content, bullying, and harassment. Additionally, excessive social media consumption can disrupt essential activities for health, like sleep and physical activity. Different children are affected in varying ways, influenced by cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors.

Research has revealed that spending over three hours a day on social media can double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.

It has also highlighted the link between social media use and body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls. Moreover, many adolescents feel addicted to specific platforms, and may be exposed to hate-based content.

To address these concerns, the Surgeon General’s Advisory provides recommendations for different stakeholders.

• Policymakers are urged to strengthen safety standards, limit access to make social media safer for children, protect privacy, support digital and media literacy, and fund further research.

• Technology companies should assess the impact of their products on children, collaborate with independent researchers, prioritize safety and health in design decisions, and improve complaint response systems.

• Parents and caregivers are encouraged to establish tech-free zones, educate children about responsible online behavior, report problematic content, and model positive behavior.

• Children and adolescents themselves can adopt healthy practices like limiting time on platforms, blocking unwanted content, being cautious about sharing personal information, and seeking help or reporting abuse when needed.

• Researchers are called upon to prioritize social media and youth mental health research to establish standards and evaluate best practices.

Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and American Public Health Association, have expressed support for the Surgeon General’s Advisory, emphasizing the need to address the mental health crisis among youth and ensure the safety of social media platforms.

Although further research is required to fully understand the impact of social media on teenagers nationwide, immediate action is necessary to protect children and adolescents from potential harm. The Surgeon General’s Advisory serves as a roadmap for stakeholders to work together and create a healthier digital environment for young people. Dr. Murthy’s previous advisories on protecting youth mental health and combating loneliness and isolation also contribute to his efforts to improve the mental well-being of young individuals across the country.

Sources:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/23/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf