The US Surgeon General has asked Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those now required on cigarette boxes.
In an opinion piece published Monday in The New York Times, Dr. Vivek Murthy said social media is a contributing factor to the mental health crisis among young people.
“It is time to require a Surgeon General warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant harm to adolescent mental health. The surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and teens that social media has not been proven to be safe,” Murthy said. “Evidence from tobacco studies shows that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior. »
Murthy said using a simple warning label would not make social media safe for young people but would be part of the necessary measures.
Last year Murthy warned that there was not enough evidence to show that social networks is safe for children and adolescents. He said at the time that policymakers needed to address the harms of social media in the same way they regulate things like car seats, infant formula, medications and other products used by children.
He said Monday that Congress must implement legislation that would protect young people from harassment, abuse and exploitation online and from exposure to extreme violence and sexual content.
“The measures should prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data about children and should restrict the use of features such as push notifications, autoplay and infinite scrolling, which attack brain development and contribute to increased usage. excessive,” Murthy wrote.
The surgeon general also recommends that companies be required to share all of their health effects data with independent scientists and the public, which they currently do not do, and that they allow independent safety audits.
Murthy said schools and parents also need to be involved in providing phone-free time and that doctors, nurses and other clinicians should help guide families toward safer practices.
