The United States Surgeon-General has declared that there is a mental health crisis among youth. He claims that social media is the primary cause and calls for immediate action. Let’s take a look.
In a survey of 13-17 year olds, 46% said that social media made them feel worse about their appearance.
Molly Rose Russell, who died on 21 November 2017, was just 14 years old.
“At the conclusion of the judicial investigation last September, her death was attributed “…an action of self-harm when suffering from depression and negative effects of online material.”
This was the first of its kind.
Youth mental health and social media advice
The United States Department of Health and Human Services released a press release on May 23, 2023 stating that Dr. Vivek M. Murthy urges action to ensure healthy and safe social media environments.
He cited the potential harm that social media could cause to children’s mental health and wellbeing. He called upon policymakers, technology firms, researchers, parents, and youth to understand the full impact.
It is important to create a safer and healthier environment online.
When we think about the crisis, keep in mind that adolescents and children are at critical brain stages. This makes them particularly vulnerable.
The release includes a 25-page pdf, “Surgeon’s General’s Advice on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.”
Reality
More than a third of 13-17-year-olds say that they use social media platforms “almost continuously.”
From Surgeon-General Murthy
Let’s go straight to the source and talk with Surgeon General Murthy…
Parents often ask me if social media is safe for their children. We don’t know enough to say that it is safe. In fact, we are seeing more and more evidence that social media is harmful to the mental health of young people.
He continues to say that social media is a place where children and teenagers are exposed to violent, sexual and harassing content.
For many, social media can be a distraction that interferes with sleep and time spent with friends and family.
Murthy’s…
We are currently in the midst of a mental health crisis among youths, and social media is a major contributor to this crisis. This crisis must be addressed urgently.