On Monday, the U.S. surgeon general, Vivek H. Murthy, issued a public call to social media platforms urging them to implement health warnings specifically tailored for younger users. In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Murthy highlighted the potential harms of social media on the mental well-being of teenagers and proposed that a surgeon general’s warning label be displayed on social media platforms, emphasizing the significant mental health risks associated with social media use among adolescents.
Murthy’s office had previously issued an advisory on social media use and its potential impacts on teenage users, emphasizing the need for social media companies to prioritize safety and privacy in their products and enforce age restrictions. As this story continues to develop, it is important to stay informed and watch for updates on this topic. ABC News contributors Ahmad Hemingway, Dr. Amanda Kravitz, and Dr. Mariam Gomaa have also played a role in reporting on this issue.