Social Media Health Warnings for Young Users: US Surgeon General’s Call to Action

In an op-ed published in The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy called for social media platforms to include health warnings for younger users due to the significant mental health harms associated with social media use among adolescents. Murthy’s office had previously issued an advisory on this topic and urged social media companies to prioritize safety and privacy in their product designs and enforce minimum age requirements.

This latest call for warning labels on social media platforms is part of ongoing efforts to address the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. Murthy emphasized the need for greater awareness and protections for adolescents who may be vulnerable to the harms of excessive social media use.

As the issue continues to evolve, it is important for individuals to stay informed about the potential risks associated with social media and for companies to take proactive steps to mitigate these risks. The contributions of ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway, Dr. Amanda Kravitz, and Dr. Mariam Gomaa to this report highlight the importance of addressing this critical issue in the digital age. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.