Social media platforms should post warning labels like those currently used on cigarette packs because of the growing number of teens suffering from mental health issues that are partly caused by the apps, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in a New York Times op-ed on Monday.
“It is time for social media platforms to require Surgeon General's warning labels stating that social media can cause serious harm to adolescent mental health,” Murthy wrote.
The initiative would be similar to warnings printed on cigarette packs, which Murthy said can “raise awareness and change behavior.” But he noted that Congress would need to pass legislation to add warning labels to social media platforms.
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Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issues latest social media warning
Mursy has previously highlighted the potential harm that social media platforms pose to young people, calling last year for tougher guidelines for children and adolescents amid a growing body of research showing the apps pose “serious risks” to young people's mental health. On Monday, Mursy noted that warning labels alone will not make platforms safe for children, and said developing safeguards “remains a priority.”
Congress also needs to implement laws that protect young people from online harassment, abuse and exploitation, and from exposure to extreme violence and sexual content, he wrote.
“The measures should prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data from children and restrict the use of features such as push notifications, autoplay and infinite scrolling that prey on developing brains and lead to excessive use,” Murthy said.
The Surgeon General also recommended requiring companies to share all data on health effects with independent scientists and the public (which they do not currently do) and allowing independent safety audits.
Murthy said schools and parents should also get involved in instituting no-phone times, and doctors, nurses and other clinicians should guide families on safer behaviours.
—Associated Press report.
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