LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — The US surgeon general has issued an advisory on the use of social media and the mental health of young people.
"We don't have enough evidence to say it's safe and, in fact, there's growing evidence that social media is associated with harm to young people," said Dr. Vivek Murthy.
He went on to say that children are being exposed to harmful content on social media and it compromises their sleep and relationships with family and friends.
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Social media usage is universal among teens. In fact, one-third of teens report using social media constantly. One-third of pre-teen girls feel addicted to social media platforms and 46% stated social media made them feel worse, while only 14% said it made them feel better. Most alarming is 64% of adolescents reported exposure to online harassment.
Remember, the part of the adolescent brain that deals with reasoning and judgment isn't fully developed until their early 20s, and adolescents lack the ability to properly filter what they see online. It's a time of rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
The surgeon general has recommendations, which are backed by several organizations. Policymakers can strengthen safety standards and protect children's privacy. Technology companies can share data with independent researchers and prioritize adolescent safety and mental health. Parents and caregivers can establish technology-free zones and better foster in-person communication with their teens. Finally, children and adolescents can limit time on platforms, block unwanted content, avoid sharing personal information, and reach out to a friend subjected to harassment.
Add in peer pressure and that's a lot for an adolescent brain to handle. We probably all know a few adults who fall into this trap as well.
