Current:Home > reviewsSocial media platforms should have health warnings for teens, U.S. surgeon general says -TradeCircle
Social media platforms should have health warnings for teens, U.S. surgeon general says
View
Date:2025-04-13 11:37:09
Social media platforms should post warning labels, similar to those now used on cigarette packs, for teenagers who are increasingly suffering from mental health issues that are partly tied to the apps, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said Monday in an opinion piece in the New York Times.
"It is time to require a surgeon general's warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents," Murthy wrote.
The push would be similar to the warnings printed on cigarette packages, which Murthy noted have shown to "increase awareness and change behavior." However, adding warning labels to social media platforms would require Congress to pass legislation, he noted.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Murthy has previously stressed the potential harms that teenagers encounter from social media platforms, pushing last year for stronger guidelines for children and teens amid growing research that indicates the apps pose what he described at the time as a "profound risk" to young people's mental health. On Monday, Murthy noted that warning labels alone wouldn't make the platforms safe for kids and said that creating safety measures "remain the priority."
Congress also needs to implement legislation that will protect young people from online harassment, abuse and exploitation and from exposure to extreme violence and sexual content, he wrote.
"The measures should prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data from children and should restrict the use of features like push notifications, autoplay and infinite scroll, which prey on developing brains and contribute to excessive use," Murthy said.
The surgeon general is also recommending that companies be required to share all their data on health effects with independent scientists and the public — which they currently don't do — and allow independent safety audits.
Murthy said schools and parents also need to participate in providing phone-free times and that doctors, nurses and other clinicians should help guide families toward safer practices.
—With reporting by the Associated Press.
- In:
- Social Media
- Meta
- TikTok
Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.
TwitterveryGood! (452)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Don Lemon, life after CNN and what it says about cancel culture
- Pittsburgh proposes a $500,000 payment to settle bridge collapse lawsuits
- Officials ignored warning signs prior to young girl’s death at the hands of her father, lawsuit says
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- When do new episodes of 'Tulsa King' come out? Season 2 premiere date, cast, where to watch
- A cat named Drifter is safe after sneaking out and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly 8 weeks
- Gunman says he heard ‘killing voices’ before Colorado supermarket shooting
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- MLS playoff picture: Hell is Real, El Tráfico could provide postseason clinchers
Ranking
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Video shows worker at Colorado Panera stop enraged customer with metal pizza paddle
- Minnesota Twins release minor league catcher Derek Bender for tipping pitches to opponents
- What Bachelorette Jenn Tran and Devin Strader Have Revealed About the Thorny Details of Their Breakup
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Biden administration appears to be in no rush to stop U.S. Steel takeover by Nippon Steel
- Should Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa retire? Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez advises, 'It might be time'
- The Flash’s Grant Gustin and Wife LA Thoma Welcome Baby No. 2
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Why Dave Coulier Respects Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen’s Different Perspective on Full House
Report says former University of Florida president Ben Sasse spent $1.3 million on social events
Father of Georgia school shooting suspect requests separate jailing after threats
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Grey's Anatomy's Jesse Williams Accuses Ex-Wife of Gatekeeping Their Kids in Yearslong Custody Case
Pittsburgh proposes a $500,000 payment to settle bridge collapse lawsuits
Video shows worker at Colorado Panera stop enraged customer with metal pizza paddle