Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Calls for Social Media Warning Labels

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC – Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently called on Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms, highlighting the mental health risks they pose to teenagers. Dr. Murthy’s push for legislative action underscores growing concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on young people. This comes amidst platforms facing lawsuits for their contributions to the youth mental health crisis and efforts to mitigate harm.

In a New York Times op-ed, Dr. Murthy emphasized the urgent need for action. “The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” he wrote. He proposed that warning labels, akin to those on tobacco products, could increase awareness and drive behavior change.

Murthy cited statistics showing that teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media are at a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Additionally, almost half of teens reported that social media negatively affects their self-image.

“We have the expertise, resources, and tools to make social media safe for our kids. Now is the time to summon the will to act,” Murthy declared.

As Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy has focused on addressing America’s mental health crisis, particularly the impact of social media on adolescents. Last year, he issued a public health advisory detailing the harms of social media to young people and recommending new safeguards for policymakers, platforms, and parents to implement.

 

 

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