May 23, 2023 – The US Secretary of Health has officially warned that social media use poses “a significant risk to the mental health and well-being” of young people.
Social media use is nearly universal amongst 13- to 17-year-olds, with one in three teenagers reporting using the platforms “almost constantly,” in line with the reportin line with which as much as 40% of youngsters between 8 and 12 years of age use social media.
“At this point, we do not have enough evidence to say with certainty that social media is sufficiently safe for our children,” said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, NBC News“We must take action now to ensure we protect our children.”
Murthy called on politicians and technology firms to fund more research and make social media safer. He advised parents to create “family media plans” and tech-free zones while modeling responsible behavior on social media.
The 25-page report summarizes recent research and says more research is urgently needed to higher understand the link between social media and the mental health crisis amongst youth. Key points from the report include:
- Social media does have its advantages, especially by way of self-affirmation for people belonging to marginalized groups.
- Social media use has been linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, self-harm and poor sleep quality.
- The impact of social media on young people varies.
- How long and the way often young people use social media matters. Studies have shown that limited use has a positive effect on health.
- Online harassment and abuse are widespread and are particularly directed against girls and transgender youth.
The advice also includes suggestions for young people, advising them to hunt help if social media is negatively affecting them or someone they know. They should set boundaries to create a balance between online and offline activities, “develop protection strategies” resembling blocking unwanted contacts and reporting online harassment.